Glacier County approves interior security doors and intercom for annex offices after recent unauthorized entry

Glacier County commissioners on Aug. 26 approved installation of interior security doors and an intercom/camera system at two access points in the county annex, citing recent incidents of unauthorized entry at the county attorney’s office.

County staff described the system as a commercial access control solution with camera, intercom, card readers and phone/app integration that will allow designated staff to buzz visitors in and to forward rings to multiple phones. "We had somebody just walking at county attorney and kinda had a little mishap there...the threats to public officials is getting greater," a county official said while explaining the proposal.

The quoted cost varied during the discussion; staff’s primary figure for two access points with license and card readers was $5,100, though other numbers were mentioned in the exchange. Commissioners raised concerns about potential impacts to public access, asking whether the system might prevent a resident from reaching a county attorney if no one answered. Staff described a multi‑tiered ring system (rings to receptionist, then several phones after a delay, then to a designated senior staff number, and answering system thereafter) intended to limit access disruption.

With no public comment recorded, a commissioner moved, a second was recorded and the board approved the purchase by voice vote. Commissioners and staff said the system could be removed or adjusted if it proved to hinder public service.

Staff will complete procurement and scheduling of installation; the county said it will preserve waiting‑room access for routine health department visitors while securing back offices.