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County department heads urge review of inclement-weather closure policy, cite security risks
Summary
Treasurer, sheriff's office and other department heads told the commissioners that closing policies last updated in 2007 and the building’s mixed state/county occupancy create security risks if the county opens when the State side is closed.
During a department-heads briefing, Treasurer Beth Calhoun told the Commissioners that the county’s inclement-weather closing policy was last updated in 2007 and should be reviewed, particularly because courthouse construction altered parking and entry points. "The closing due to inclement weather policy was last updated in 2007," she said, and added the difference between State and County closings can confuse the public.
Chief James Urquhart said opening county offices while the State side of the building is closed raises safety concerns because the Sheriff's Office cannot provide the extra security coverage during storms. Probate Register Jenn Dilworth and Deeds Register Cherri Crockett reinforced those concerns; Crockett said there are "too many places to hide" and referred to a recent incident in which security removed a blade from a man who then reached through a door of the Deeds Office. Crockett noted the county’s liability insurance increased 18% last year and urged proactive safety measures.
