County officials seek improved security

Wahkiakum County department heads discussed upgrades to courthouse security with the board of commissioners on Tuesday.

Commissioners also heard reports from health department officials and addressed other business.

Officials agreed they would like to upgrade security in the courthouse.

Sheriff Mark Howie opened discussion by noting that some doors aren't secured during trials, which can draw angry people. He suggested card locks be installed that would allow vetted employees to enter but which would steer others to the security entrance.

Department heads commented that they occasionally have angry customers who appear threatening to them.

They discussed a variety of measures they could take to improve security in their offices.

Commissioner Mike Backman suggested they could install equipment to bar their doors in the event there was an armed intruder in the courthouse.

Howie suggested they install panic buttons that could be used to alert law enforcement of problems, and also that they install locks on office doors.

"This is the industry standard," the sheriff said. "It's the fastest and safest way."

It was suggested that courthouse workers could carry guns, but there was some resistance, and as Chief Civil Deputy Joannie Kuhlmeyer said, "You have enough guns downstairs."

Officials said they had started discussions with an electrician about locks last fall, but the discussions had stopped because of staff transition in the Public Works Department. Officials said they would follow up on those discussions.

In other business:

--Sue Holmes, the county's representative to the Great Rivers Behavioral Health Organization, reported that the new board of directors has hired an executive director and technological services.

--Chris Holmes, Health and Human Services Department mental health services director, said the department wants to contract with the Cowlitz/Wahkiakum Council of Governments for grant writing assistance. The department wants to apply for a grant to plan a housing project.

--Health and Human Service Department Director Sue Cameron said the department has received its first complaint under the county's new solid waste/junk control ordinance.

Complaints are public records, but the people making the complaints can remain anonymous, said Chris Weiler, department assistant director.