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Government Center to get Security Overhaul

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By KYLE MARTIN, Hernando Today

Published: November 28, 2007

Updated: 11/27/2007 10:11 pm

BROOKSVILLE - Plans are underway to beef up security at the government center, starting with the installation of $250,000 worth of cameras and locks.

County commissioners made it clear on Tuesday that they were done talking about security proposals and ready to see something implemented.

To that end, the public can expect a dramatic new approach to security within the next 6-9 months that could include sealing off the courthouse to one points of entry.

Some wonder if this represents the end of an era for sleepy Brooksville.

"It brings reality crashing down," said former mayor Joe Johnston III. He questioned whether the hefty price tag is worth it for taxpayers. But, "if it has to be, it has to be."

The call for tighter security also comes from Daniel Merritt Sr., chief judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit.

The government center hosts a variety of functions, from child dependency hearings to traffic court. Merritt's main concern is that someone will bring a weapon to an emotionally charged proceeding or that someone fed up with taxes will pay a lethal visit to a commissioner.

Most courthouses have one public entrance where security guards set up their screening station. Brooksville's government center has metal detectors on three of four floors.

The ideal situation would be to mimic that setup and have one or two points of entry at the main atrium. That way the government center could do away with those other stations, Merritt explained.

As it is, a fourth metal detector station was set up recently after dependency hearings were assigned to the county commission chambers.

Sheriff Richard Nugent asked commissioners to approve a budget amendment Tuesday that would allow him to pay two extra deputies part-time to man that station. He is currently drawing on his overtime reserves to fund the positions.

Interim County Administrator Larry Jennings advised against approving the proposal, saying it would be better if the funds were given on an as needed basis. Commissioners unanimously disagreed and gave Nugent the $40,255 he requested.

The government center's layout poses several challenges from a security standpoint. It's connected with the old courthouse through the second floor and the only handicap accessibility is through the basement. "There are some soft areas," that need "minor modifications," Merritt said.

Designating one elevator for the handicapped coming up from the basement could overtax the other two already sluggish elevators, Merritt noted.

Asked why security was suddenly so urgent, the judge pointed to an increase in foot traffic and "the times we're in."

Merritt will meet with county officials and the sheriff's staff in December to cement their plans.

Across the street is Brooksville's city hall, which has the same open floor plan as its neighbor, although it doesn't provide judicial services.

City Manager Jennene Norman-Vacha is not overly concerned about security, though there are troubling incidents across the country. At the beginning of October, a man fatally shot himself outside the city hall of Clarksville, Tenn., when his property was not rezoned by the city council. There were no metal detectors at the doors.

Even with all the security in the world, though, "it's not possible to protect yourself completely," Norman-Vacha said.

Reporter Kyle Martin can be reached at 352-544-5271 or kmartin@hernandotoday.com

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