Commissioners discuss courthouse security upgrades and authorize engineer review for crumbling steps

Fall River County commissioners reviewed options for courthouse security upgrades and authorized a structural assessment of the courthouse's front steps after building-maintenance staff reported decades of weather damage and potential structural risk.

Why it matters: courthouse access control and building safety affect staff, jurors and the public; an engineer assessment will identify whether the existing steps and the underlying support need repair or replacement and will inform grant eligibility.

Security measures discussed: staff outlined several comparatively low-cost or grant-eligible options that can be implemented quickly, including requiring visible employee ID badges, reconfiguring exterior access so the public uses a single monitored entrance, applying Mylar or security film to vulnerable windows, and testing panic buttons on a regular schedule. Commissioners also discussed changing door-timer settings to prevent public roaming before office hours and designing interior office access to limit walk-in access to sensitive areas.

Courthouse steps: building maintenance reported visible concrete deterioration and interior voids under the steps; a contractor recommended an engineer assess the underlying structure before full repairs. The board authorized staff to seek an engineer's inspection and return with cost estimates and possible contractor bids. Commissioners asked that staff check grant opportunities for eligible courthouse-security or historic-preservation funds and consult the local historical society where appropriate before work begins.

Next steps: building maintenance will solicit an engineer assessment and gather contractor estimates; staff will also research grant options and present a funding path and timeline to the board.