Commissioners nix key locks for sheriff's office

Wahkiakum County commissioners on Tuesday rejected a proposal to replace aging locks in the Wahkiakum County Sheriff's Office.

Commissioners objected to the $2,700 price tag for three touchpad locks. Two would have been at entrances to the office; the third would have been a new lock for the door between the dispatching center and officers' offices. One existing lock, in particular, is troublesome to operate, said Chief Civil Deputy Joannie Bjorge.

Sheriff's office supervisors had asked Building and Planning Director Chuck Beyer, who also supervises maintenance of county facilities, to prepare a proposal to replace the locks.

He checked with lock companies and proposed three touchpad locks with keys costing $2,701 plus sales tax.

Commissioners were unhappy with the cost.

"That's a ridiculous price for three locks to replace a system that has worked well for a long time," said Commissioner Blair Brady.

Commissioner Dan Cothren acknowledged that having to keep track of many keys is a problem, but he said he wanted to keep from draining the money in the County Properties Fund, which would have paid for the locks.

"I said I was really going to clamp down on County Properties Funds going out," he said.

Commission Chair Lisa Marsyla asked if the door to the dispatching center would be locked and was told probably only in emergencies or other rare occasions.

"My expectation is that that door will be locked," she said. "I don't want to put a $900 lock on it if it's not going to be used."

Brady moved to deny the recommendation; Cothren seconded, and the motion passed 3-0.

Undersheriff Mark Howie noted that touchpad locks are more convenient and reliable than key locks. Bjorge added that the lock on the dispatching door is needed in case a lockdown situation occurred.

However, Howie commented that the price surprised him when he saw it.

"We'll pursue other options," he said.