Commissioners give consensus to buy metal detector and camera with security grant funds

Franklin County commissioners gave consensus June 11 to use remaining courthouse security grant funds, with the required 40% county match, to acquire a metal detector and to install an additional camera at an identified courthouse location.

Ms. Orozco, speaking for courthouse security needs, told commissioners the grant is split into two allocations and that the county is nearing the end of the grant cycle. “There is a requirement of a 40% county match,” she said. She said one existing metal detector is non‑operational and another is nearing end‑of‑life with no available replacement parts. “They don’t have another one to step in,” she said, adding the county wants a replacement on hand.

Orozco also said a camera needs to be installed where footage has been insufficient: “There was a situation where somebody made a request for that camera footage because there was an alleged assault upstairs and it doesn't appear that they were able to get that footage. So we need to install a camera in that area.”

Commissioners discussed cost estimates. Orozco estimated the metal detector at about $2,500 and the camera plus installation “probably about 500 to 1,000” dollars each; she said the total would be “cumulatively less than $5,000,” of which the county’s 40% share applies. Commissioners reached consensus to proceed and asked staff to complete the purchase before the grant cycle ends so it could be reported in the grant closeout.

The board treated the item as a consensus request rather than a formal ordinance or appropriation at the meeting; commissioners requested follow-up reporting when purchases are completed.