Council member Missy and others updated the boards on courthouse security planning, saying Judge Dowling is working with county staff while the project awaits a grant decision. Missy said the county applied for grant funds that would cover security work; until the grant award is known, the scope remains preliminary.

Part of the concept discussed would relocate community corrections and the probation department into the room below the commissionerschamber, and convert the current clerk-of-courts space. Officials said relocation could require HVAC, electrical and fire-safety upgrades. One commissioner estimated a limited remodel could be roughly $20,000; full renovations that include mechanicals and relocating staff could approach $200,000
nd possibly $300,000 depending on the extent of work and whether construction must be done at night to avoid disrupting court operations.

Board members debated staffing at the courthouse entrance (two or three additional security officers) and the need for an employee badging system. Commissioners noted examples from other counties: some require employees and frequent visitors to use badges and pass through screening, while other jurisdictions allow limited exemptions.

Next steps: commissioners directed staff and the architect (Mayes Design) to refine plans and cost estimates and to adjust scope to match grant award levels when the grant decision is known.