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Proposal to reduce Michigan City satellite hours and to study private courthouse security draws council debate
Summary
A council member’s proposal to close the Michigan City satellite office two days per week and explore contracting courthouse security prompted discussion about operational impacts, court scheduling and employee attrition; commissioners requested more analysis before any action.
A council member proposed a gradual plan to reduce hours at the county’s Michigan City satellite office as an attrition‑based cost saving and suggested contracting courthouse security to private firms as a potential further saving.
The proponent said the plan would not involve immediate layoffs and described it as a four‑year transition. Departmental staff and the sheriff raised operational cautions: the courthouse building largely houses court functions and any reduction in Michigan City services would require coordination with the judiciary; the sheriff said private security arrangements had mixed results in past deployments.
Why it matters: The proposal touches frontline public access (a satellite treasurer/office location where residents pay bills and receive services) and public safety (courthouse security). Consolidating offices or outsourcing security has both budget and service‑delivery implications for residents who use in‑person services.
Key exchanges - Council member (proponent): "I did propose that we close Michigan City 2 days a week... I'm not proposing that we lay anybody off... this is a 4 year plan." (proposal; asked for operational study.)
- Sheriff: cautioned that private security can be hit or miss and recommended further study and caution before making a change; cited a negative experience at a previous event.
- Chair and other commissioners: asked staff to identify which offices must remain physically present (for courts and related functions) and requested coordination with judiciary to assess feasibility.
Outcome: No immediate closure or contracting decision was made. Council directed staff and affected departments to prepare more information, including how services would be maintained and whether the county could accommodate consolidated functions in the main office without service disruption.
Next steps: Staff to analyze operational impacts and bring scheduling, court coordination, and continuity-of-service proposals back to the council for a subsequent meeting.
