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Council debates evening meetings while commissioners weigh security upgrades and jail HVAC fixes
Summary
Council members were split over adding a second monthly 6 p.m. meeting intended to boost public access; commissioners outlined security options including a $5,000/year safety app and expanded part‑time security hours, and reported ongoing rooftop HVAC problems at the county jail for which a consultant has provided guidance.
A proposal to add a second monthly Council meeting at 6 p.m. drew both support and opposition at the March 3 Whitley County Council meeting, as members balanced public access against the need for daytime department-head participation.
A council member proposing the evening meeting said it would create a Monday evening slot following the commissioners' second monthly meeting to allow timelier council action and greater public attendance. "My suggestion would be ... we would have a six o'clock 6 pm meeting so we could be timely with their meeting discussing the current issues," the member said. Several colleagues agreed that evening meetings could increase accessibility and speed decision-making; others said past evening meetings were poorly attended and daytime meetings ensure department heads can be present to advise council.
No change was adopted at the meeting; council members asked staff to add the proposal to next month’s agenda so members—including those up for election—can consult individually and return with a formal decision.
In the commissioners' report, officials described options to improve building safety: updating or replacing camera equipment (larger capital cost), adopting a safety-and-communications app (estimated about $5,000 per year), or expanding part‑time security hours to provide broader coverage with an estimated annual cost of roughly $42,000 to ensure full-time coverage. Commissioners said they are weighing fiscal and operational tradeoffs and will present more detailed recommendations to the personnel committee.
Commissioners also updated the council on ongoing rooftop HVAC problems at the new jail facility. A consultant advised that current remedial steps were appropriate, but problems persist while the building remains occupied; the county attorney has signaled that the county is evaluating all options, including litigation, as a last resort to resolve persistent performance issues.
Next steps: the meeting-schedule proposal will return to the council agenda next month for a formal vote; commissioners will present more detailed cost comparisons and personnel committee recommendations on security options.
