Commission grants courthouse-square event request; approves keypad entry for school building

The Coffee County Commission on March 5 granted permission to the Coffee County Historical Society to use the courthouse grounds for a 250th-anniversary July 4 reading of the Declaration of Independence. Sandra McMullen Bennett said the mayor planned to issue a proclamation and the courthouse and museum would be open; she said she is seeking sponsors so the event will not cost the county.

The commission moved, seconded and approved the request and asked the historical society to submit event details to staff by email so the county can coordinate site use and permits. Commissioners discussed possible bench replacements on the square and whether the city parks department or county would handle orders and installation; the chair offered to purchase the first bench if a design is provided.

The commission also approved a school board representative's request to install a keypad entry on the far-end door of a school building so coaches and authorized users could enter. George Calvin said the school would purchase and install the unit and issue codes to necessary personnel; the motion to permit the keypad was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.

Next steps: event organizers will share details with county staff; staff will confirm any bench-design submission and the school will proceed with keypad installation coordinated with maintenance.