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Council approves $163,700 appropriation for constable staffing amid dispute over building security
Summary
Council approved $163,700 to restore two deputy constable positions after a lengthy discussion about the constable’s staffing, self‑generated revenues, and the responsibility for security of the City Hall/Parish building. Officials described temporary steps (metal detectors, BRPD officers) and agreed to pursue a longer‑term security plan.
The Metropolitan Council on Feb. 11 approved an amendment to the 2026 current and capital expense budget to appropriate $163,700 for two deputy constable positions previously frozen because of budget constraints.
The request prompted detailed discussion about who bears responsibility and funding for building security in City Hall and whether existing self‑generated revenues from court fees can support constable operations. The constable told the council she had relied on transferred funding and on providing security after a previous mayoral agreement; that funding has lapsed and the constable’s office has limited staffing to continue those duties.
Finance staff and administration described the funding split: $84,000 would come from the city constable court cost fund (self‑generated revenue) and $79,700 from general fund unassigned balances. Administration said the mayor’s office agreed to fund the positions as public‑safety priorities and described recent interim measures — reinstalling metal detectors, closing off entrances and assigning two BRPD officers inside the building — while a more permanent security plan is developed.
Council members pressed for clarity on statutory responsibility for building security and suggested the council consider an ordinance or policy to designate funding and a responsible agency. “We need to get serious about identifying funding and designate an agency that can hire adequately post‑certified staff to secure this building,” one council member said. The council voted to approve the appropriation; the motion carried.
What happens next: The administration and council members indicated they will work on a longer‑term plan or ordinance to formalize security responsibility and funding. The constable will use the restored positions to address court operations and security tasks as budgeted.
