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A tense exchange during a discussion on courthouse security led to the removal of an audience member at Tuesday’s Allen County Commission meeting.
Arlyn Briggs, who has a history of tangling with government officials in both Allen and Anderson counties, was asked to leave the meeting during a discussion with Chief District Judge Dan Creitz.
Commissioners asked Creitz to clear up confusion about a new courthouse security plan. Voters will head to the polls Nov. 7 to decide on a nearly $10 million bond issue that would build a new courtroom and secured entry on the south side of the courthouse, along with other improvements.
Commissioner Bruce Symes said he’s heard many questions about whether the west entrance will remain open to allow citizens to conduct routine county business. The west entrance is most commonly used to access offices for the county clerk, treasurer and other departments. The south entrance is often used by those who attend court or conduct related business, and also serves as the handicapped entrance.
Creitz said the plan does not close the west entrance.
However, Creitz said the west entrance could be closed if there was a security concern, such as during a trial for a serious crime or when a suspect has a known history that could pose a threat to others in the building.
“This allows the courthouse to be totally secure,” Creitz said. “This doesn’t say the west entrance will be closed, but it allows that to happen if you need to. On certain occasions it may be closed.”
Commissioners asked if it might be possible to provide a partition at the stairwell that separates the court area from other offices. Creitz said that was not included in the plan but could be considered.
“The (incidents) you worry about are the ones you don’t plan for,” Creitz said.
“If a security risk exists, is there still a risk to county employees?” Symes asked.
“That’s the advantage of having a secure entrance. It’s a lot safer for all the employees in the building.”
BRIGGS, who spoke earlier in the meeting about other matters, chimed in on the discussion, saying he believed the project was too costly and unnecessary.
“I think you’re spending a ton of money for almost no benefit,” Briggs said.
“I realize everybody is concerned about safety. Maybe there’s a reason they should be concerned about safety.”
