October 16, 2024
By: Dwayne Page
Full time courthouse security officer Mark Milam went to work last week and he may soon be getting some help.
The county budget committee met Tuesday night and voted 5-0 to recommend to the full county commission that a shared part time security officer position be created to fill the gap when Milam takes breaks including for lunch.
According to County Mayor Matt Adcock, a constable will most likely be used for the shared part- time job possibly working from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. five days a week. The cost to the county this fiscal year from November to June is $13,279. For a full year, it would be $20,253.
Milam was hired by the county last month to fill the role of full-time courthouse security officer at $18 per hour based on a 40-hour week. The position without benefits (this year) is $37,440 and with benefits included (next year) its $49,030 with social security, retirement, health insurance, unemployment, and Medicare. The courthouse is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Neither Constable Milam or the part time officer will be working for the sheriff’s department. Their supervisor will be the county mayor.
The east side entrance to the courthouse near the handicapped ramp on the second floor has been identified by the county to be the only secured entry point. Constable Milam or the part time officer will be posted there with a metal detector. Until more secure exterior doors and locks are acquired, Milam and the part time officer will roam the courthouse.
Meanwhile, the budget committee Tuesday night voted to recommend to the county commission that new secure exterior doors, locks, and signage be purchased for the courthouse based on a quote obtained from County Emergency Management Agency Director Charlie Parker. Funds for the purchase (up to $30,000) would come from the county’s capital projects fund subject to approval by the county commission. Bids would also have to be let for the project.
Reading from a text message to him from Parker, County Mayor Adcock informed the budget committee that to replace 10 doors including for the east, west, and basement side entrances in a light bronze color similar to what is there now and to add a code approved panic device would be $2,500 for each door for a total of $25,000. Signage for all 10 doors depending on the type of lettering would be $100-$150 per door or up to $1,500.