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Maury County committee approves $85,000 for contracted library security after debate over sheriff coverage
Summary
The Maury County Budget Committee approved $85,000 for contracted security at the Columbia Library after extended discussion about whether the sheriff's office should provide deputies instead. The measure passed 6–1; Commissioner Green voted no.
The Maury County Budget Committee voted to allocate $85,000 for contracted security at the Columbia Library, approving the expense 6–1 on a roll-call vote after more than an hour of discussion about alternatives including additional sheriff's deputies.
Committee members and library staff said the library has had recurring issues with people sleeping and eating in violation of library policy, and that staff are frequently pulled away from core duties to enforce rules. Megan, library staff, described the contracted guards' duties: "They will be walking the grounds outside ... individuals are using the library in [the ways] it's intended ... but as soon as they go against what the policy is, then the security guards help enforce those rules." The committee heard that the library is open long hours, which raises overtime concerns if covered by the sheriff's office.
The debate centered on whether to hire contracted security or request a deputy from the sheriff's office. Commissioner Howard said he "fully support[s]" the security but urged consideration of assigning a deputy instead, noting deputy pay and overtime issues. Doug, county finance staff, said a deputy could generate overtime costs because of the library's long hours and that the $85,000 figure was based on a quote from a private firm. "The library is open a long time ... you could end up in an overtime situation there with a deputy," Doug said.
Several commissioners and public commentators recounted personal observations of the library area, describing loitering and people seeking shelter there. Commissioner Pavetti said some residents "have stopped going to the library because of the homeless problem" and urged immediate action. Commissioner Brothers and others said they would prefer a deputy because the building is a county facility, but acknowledged the sheriff's capacity to commit staff for that purpose was uncertain.
Sheriff Bucky Rowland was cited by multiple commissioners as already conducting periodic rounds but not consistently posting a deputy at the library. Commissioner Snowball reported contacting the sheriff and city police, saying both indicated increased patrols but not a permanent posted deputy. County staff later said that if the sheriff proposed to assume the position, the committee could reallocate funding by budget amendment.
Roll-call vote on the motion to allocate $85,000 for contracted library security: Commissioner Green — No; Commissioner Willover — Aye; Commissioner Brothers — Aye; Commissioner Sumners — Yes; Commissioner Howard — Yes; Commissioner Huffman — Yes; Chair — Yes. Outcome: approved 6–1.
Committee members directed library staff and county staff to continue discussions with the sheriff's office and noted the option to move the funding later to sheriff staffing via a budget amendment if the sheriff agreed to provide a deputy.
The committee's approval was limited to the budget allocation; how the county proceeds operationally (contractor vs. sheriff deputy) remains subject to subsequent administrative or budget amendments and sheriff input.
