Funds approved for Pine View security system

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August 16, 2012

Funds approved for Pine View security system

Visitors will have to pass through an X-ray security system

By CHRIS MORRIS chris.morris@newsandtribune.com The News and Tribune Thu Aug 16, 2012, 04:05 AM EDT

NEW ALBANY — The new Pine View Government Center will soon be equipped with a security system similar to the one at the City-County Building.

Visitors will have to walk through an X-ray machine, which will be manned by Floyd County Corrections Officers, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays.

The Floyd County Council approved $75,000 Tuesday night to purchase the equipment and pay salaries through the end of the year.

The Floyd County Commissioners had asked for $148,000, which would have covered security costs for 2012 and 2013. But Councilman Brad Striegel said he wanted to table the request and form a committee to review what the security needs are at the building before committing $148,000.

“It took years to service this building [City-County Building]. It would be nice to see what we need before we spend that kind of money,” Striegel said.

Commissioners’ President Steve Bush said he didn’t want to delay the action too long since people are already working at the building and public meetings are being held there.

“I would think we need to do this since we have people using that building. We need the protection,” said Councilwoman Carol Shope.

Bush said since public meetings are already being held at the facility, it’s important to have a security system in place. The Open Door Youth Shelter, which also uses the building, has a separate security system.

Following a discussion with council members, a motion was made to fund the request through the end of the year and then see if any costs can be trimmed. The measure unanimously passed.

Bush said he doesn’t know when the system will be installed and the entrance manned by corrections officers.

“It was a good compromise,” he said of funding the security request for one year. “That will give us a chance to see what we need out there. It will give us time to re-evaluate our needs.”

Offer made to Floyd County officers

Councilman John Schellenberger told council members Tuesday that Floyd County Sheriff’s Office officers, which total about 30, have been offered a $500 raise in each of the next three years. He said the union is currently considering the offer, and a decision should be revealed at the September meeting.

Council approves vote center resolution

The Floyd County Council approved a measure that calls for 10 vote centers to be established in the county beginning with the 2014 May primary, instead of the current 60 precincts.

The Floyd County Commissioners and election board had already unanimously approved the proposal. The election board will now work on a detailed plan and come up with the locations for the sites.

County Clerk Linda Moeller said the move will save the county money since it will need fewer poll workers and voting machines. She said 2013 will be used to educate the public on the new machines and where sites will be located.