Courthouse security plan deadline looms

It has been six months since Bourbon County exempted itself from a law that allows individuals to carry weapons into public buildings. As part of the exemption, the county was to develop a security plan by Jan. 1.

On Monday, Bourbon County Commissioners told County Attorney Terri Johnson they don't have a plan yet. The sheriff's department is taking the lead on developing the plan, according to Third District Commissioner Harold Coleman.

Coleman said he spoke with Undersheriff Ben Cole Monday and learned that Sheriff Bill Martin was to speak with officials in Franklin County about their plan.

"Franklin County was the only one that put in their plan and we just want it for a guideline," Coleman said.

Johnson reminded Coleman of the deadline.

"I know that and that's what I told him (Cole), Coleman said. "I told him we cannot delay this any longer."

After commissioners review the plan, Johnson recommended they meet with Bourbon County Sheriff Bill Martin. Coleman asked if they should also meet with District Court Judge Mark Ward.

Johnson said the county already has a court order from Chief Justice Lawton R. Nuss stating that no guns are allowed in the courtroom.

"So you're going to have to accommodate that, regardless of what you decide for the rest of the courthouse," Johnson said.

She said the commissioners might want to meet with both judges to discuss implementing new security measures on the third floor. "I just wanted to bring that up," Johnson said. "You all need to decide what you're going to do, or if you're going to take no action, that's fine."

Second District Commissioner Barbara Albright said if they take no action, the only thing they would have to do is take the "No Firearms Allowed" signs down at the courthouse entrances.

"Even if you do that, you are still going to have to address the third floor, the two courtrooms," Johnson said.

Martin was not available to meet with commissioners Monday.

House Bill 2052 was signed by Governor Sam Brownback in April and went into effect July 1, allowing licensed gun owners to carry a firearm into public buildings. Public entities were allowed to file for a six-month exemption, which would prohibit firearms. Those entities that received an exemption had to put "adequate security measures" into place. In June, commissioners estimated those security measures would cost a minimum of $90,000, not including benefits for three additional security officers and equipment such as lock boxes to store their weapons.

Jail overtime

Commissioners said they also want to meet with Johnson, Martin and Jail Administrator Bobby Reed Friday to discuss recent overtime submitted by jail staff. During the most recent pay period, 15 jail employees had a total of 241.83 hours of overtime, according to figures provided to Coleman.

Johnson and her staff have been working with Reed and Director of Security Julie Miller to keep jail expenses at a minimum.

County Clerk Kendall Mason tried to contact Reed, Miller and Martin, but learned none of them were available to meet with commissioners Monday.

Other business

* In other county commission business, the commissioners learned almost every department head has received employee evaluation forms to review. In July, commissioners agreed evaluations should be completed annually during the fourth quarter, except for new employees, who would be evaluated at the end of their six-month probation.

Commissioners agreed on Monday the handbook will have to be updated to correctly state the change in dates.

* The commissioners also approved renewal of cereal malt beverage licenses for Sugar Valley and Union Station of Uniontown.

Commissioners also held three executive sessions to discuss non-elected personnel to protect their privacy. The first was a 20-minute session with no one else present. The other two were 15-minute sessions with Johnson.