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Tazewell County approves courthouse rekeying; board presses for tighter master-key control
Summary
The board approved rekeying the courthouse and Mackenzie building while members pressed staff about master-key counts, key tracking, and whether fobs or mechanical keys will be used; staff said the system will track key numbers and limit distribution.
The Tazewell County Board approved a rekeying project for the courthouse and the Mackenzie building after questions from board members about master-key distribution, key tracking and the mix of electronic key cards and physical keys.
Board members noted both bids specify 50 master keys (50 per bid), raising concern that the county could end up with a large number of master keys in circulation. Property staff and the vendor representative explained that the bid pricing lists up to 50 master keys as an option but that the county will control distribution: not everyone will receive master keys, keys will be assigned according to an access hierarchy, and each metal key will be stamped with a unique identifier. Staff said that the county already requires employees to return keys at separation and that the new system will log key numbers to track who has access.
The board also discussed the role of key cards (fobs) versus physical keys. Staff said many doors will have both a card reader and a physical lock because electronic access can fail and a mechanical key is needed as a backup. The vendor explained that keyed hardware and card systems can be integrated and that the quoted number of master keys is configurable based on county needs.
A motion to approve the project (P2615) was made and seconded; the meeting record indicates the motion carried.
The board asked staff to ensure documentation of assigned key numbers and an internal control process for key returns, and to coordinate with HR on procedures for key return when employees leave.
