County to add bag‑check signage and consider deputy presence after backpacks observed at meetings

County staff told the Property Management Committee they will post signage informing visitors that bags will be checked at meetings after recent gatherings included people carrying backpacks and other items. The chairman said staff are coordinating with the sheriff's office to implement bag checks and other measures to secure the building.

Commissioner Johnson urged a visible deputy presence at committee and other meetings; county officials and the mayor said a deputy is normally assigned to committee meetings and noted Murfreesboro Police presence around the square has increased recently. The committee asked staff to return next month with a more detailed security plan, sample signage and operational steps for bag checks and deputy coverage.

The committee emphasized that some security measures are tactical and not publicized but asked for a public‑facing sign to set expectations for visitors and to reduce incidents in meeting spaces.