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Putnam County to pursue courthouse security upgrades after threats to magistrate
Summary
Putnam County commissioners approved a request to pursue ballistic upgrades for the magistrate office and instructed staff to seek Council funding for a broader courthouse security plan that includes sworn deputies and a marked vehicle, citing repeated threats and a need to improve public entry screening.
Commissioner Andy Beck said the Putnam County Board of Commissioners voted March 16 to pursue safety upgrades to the courthouse after the magistrate’s office received repeated threats.
Bailiff Markus Witt told the board the magistrate’s office “receives threats weekly” and presented contractor quotes for bullet-resistant glass and wall installation. Witt provided two estimates: $22,050 for glass-only work and $23,400 for a full installation that includes ballistic wall panels. Beck moved to approve the higher quote contingent on County Council approval of funds; the motion passed unanimously.
Sheriff Baugh told commissioners he has hired Jessica Foreman as a crisis intervention deputy and sought approval to title and plate a used vehicle purchased with commissary funds; the board approved the vehicle request unanimously. Chief Deputy Tom Sutherlin presented a broader courthouse security plan that would add one full-time deputy (salary listed as $67,210), three part-time deputies (combined pay listed as $112,370 at $30 per hour for 24 hours per week), a marked vehicle estimated at $70,000 and about $38,688.88 in equipment, for a total budget estimate of $288,218.88.
Officials discussed the logistics of employee access and whether courthouse employees should be required to pass through the metal detector. Sheriff Baugh said other counties do not require staff to use entry screening because some employees have unsupervised 24/7 access and routing all staff through a single entry could create gaps; County Attorney Jim Ensley advised holding an executive meeting to work out operational details rather than discussing those procedures in public.
Commissioner Rick Woodall moved to proceed with the security plan and seek funding from the County Council; Commissioner Tom Helmer seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Beck said the marked vehicle would provide visible officer presence, assist with emergency transport and traffic control near the courthouse, and be used when a judge orders someone jailed.
Next steps: the board approved the remodel quote and the request to pursue Council funding for security staff and equipment; timing will depend on County Council action and a subsequent executive meeting to establish operational protocols.
