A work session was held during Thursday’s Riley County Commission meeting, to begin conversations on constructing a concealed carry security plan and personnel policies. County Counselor, Clancy Holeman led the discussion by providing input and suggestions on decisions the board needs to make soon.
Holeman came up with five different options that the commission could choose-including not doing anything at all. The option the commission seemed interested in exploring was the choice of exempting buildings and/or putting adequate security measures into place. The county departments are spread out through 44 separate buildings, some of which have higher risk of threat than others.
The commission seemed to agree the courthouse is of utmost importance regarding safety, as they see an average of 300 people each day, in high-emotion situations. District Court Chief Judge, Meryl Wilson shared a few stories of threatening situations, and indicated he himself may have witnessed a few of these encounters.
Commission Chair, Dave Lewis did comment that although the courthouse is of high importance, the commission should look into every option with every building. County Clerk, Rich Vargo added that other departments, including his, have had threatening situations as well.
Commissioner, Ron Wells mentioned he still wants to do security for the courthouse and said “I have no problem with legal concealed carry.” Commissioner, Robert Boyd stated “single point security is needed as soon as possible”.
The commission discussed various options, and even used additional time later in the meeting to address this topic.
On November 25th, the commission hopes to have a plan made, and said the deadline for the plan would be no later than December 2nd.
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The 2013 estimated general fund cash balance is “rather low” according to Budget and Fiance Officer, Johnette Shepek.
Shepek stated that the general fund cash balance has lowered every year since 2007, and said they shouldn’t have a problem as long as everyone continues spending wisely.
Public Works Director, Leon Hobson raised concerns with this, as he has other projects that need to be looked into. Hobson stated that winter is coming soon, and a building is needed to house the calcium tanks so that employees do not have to bare the harsh winter conditions when filling the tanks.
Even of more importance perhaps, Hobson said there is one truck that may not make it through another season of snow removal.
Commissioner, Robert Boyd said Hobson should have voiced these concerns earlier in the year, especially the snow removal truck issue. Hobson argued that he did share this information with commissioners months ago
Hobson’s main concern was whether he would have to save 10% of his budget for the end year balance. “I don’t want to be penalized next year for the budget because we didn’t spend our entire budget this year”, Hobson commented.
The commission came to a consensus to continue spending at the current level through the end of the year.
