The Allen County Courthouse could step into the future with a little bit more room and a little bit more security.
Commissioners discussed two topics related to the courthouse when they met Tuesday morning. They approved hiring an architect to design an expansion for the courtroom, and heard a presentation that would modernize the courthouse security system.
First, commissioners approved a request from 31st District Court Judge Daniel Creitz to hire Zingre & Associates to design a plan for the courtroom remodel. It would expand the courtroom and remodel the district clerk’s office using the smaller courtroom.
The fee should not exceed $12,560; additional costs would make the total about $13,100.
Creitz asked commissioners to approve his request last week, but they wanted to see if the cost might be covered by federal coronavirus relief funds through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
Thrive Allen County is administering ARPA for the county, and CEO Lisse Regher said she couldn’t get complete confirmation but she felt comfortable recommending it. A strong case could be made for the need to expand the courtroom, as court services faced significant hurdles during the early stages of the pandemic because of a lack of the ability to social distance.
Commissioners approved the request, using ARPA funds to pay for the design.
SHERIFF Bryan Murphy introduced Ralph Price with Secure Tech, a company that provides a notification system via “panic buttons” throughout the courthouse.
The buttons were first installed about 16 years ago. Murphy said he has wanted to update the system for the past couple of years, but the project got pushed aside during the pandemic.
The upgrade would update the panic buttons and add “virtual buttons” on computers. It would increase the ability for staff to quickly notify law enforcement of an emergency.
The upgrade also would send text or email notifications to all county staff. Currently, only law enforcement is notified.
The cost of the upgrade is about $11,825.
Commissioners wanted Murphy to talk with department heads about their needs before they proceed, but agreed the system likely is due for an update.
AND on the subject of facility improvements and updates, commissioners asked 911 Director Chelsea Angleton to wait until spring to paint her building.
Angleton said she wanted to take advantage of the spring-like December weather, and sought bids from local painters.
