Doors, Appointments and Taxes for Prowers County Commissioners

Proposed Door Will be on North Side of Building

Prowers County Courthouse

Prowers County Sheriff Jim Faull wants to build a new access door between the county courthouse and the jail’s booking area.  He told the county commissioners economy and security are the two main reasons. 

Faull said the construction cost would run around $6,000 and would be submitted for bid.  The cost estimate on a 40 inch security door would be in the neighborhood of $1,000.  The sheriff said the new door would be northeast of the sally port door, and would eliminate the need to open and close the sally port door for access to the booking area.  It’s a heavy-duty, garage-type door, and Faull said two motors have already burned out because of so much use.  The separate entry will also save on utilities, as a considerable amount of heat and cold air is lost through the year every time the door is used.    Faull said funding could come from the booking fees levied throughout the state.  A system of small amount court fees earmarked for local training, mental health programs and physical upgrades and equipment in the sheriff’s department can cover the construction costs.  The security issue comes into play when persons who have been arrested directly from their trials or other courthouse proceedings are taken into the jail for booking.  The door will provide a different route to the booking area where prisoners can be searched for any weapons or contraband.  Two steps and a safety hand railing will also be constructed for the door. 

In other action, the Prowers Commissioners approved the county treasurer’s 2011 semi-annual report, and approved an economic development incentive agreement with Larry and Susan Lucius, d/b/a L & L Greenhouse, LLC.  The commissioners discussed the needed replacement of two county appointments to the Steering Committee of Lamar Partnership, Inc.  Three members of the economic revitalization group are appointed by the county, but one appointee, Joe Marble, county commissioner, has had scheduling conflicts and the other, Bob Ogle from Lamar Community College, has moved out-of-state.  Ogle was chairman of LPI.  The organization meets the fourth Wednesday of every month at the Lamar Chamber offices at Noon. 

The commissioners went into executive session with county attorney, John Lefferdink and CPA Ronny Farmer, to discuss questions relating to county sales taxes and the pending urban renewal agreement with the City of Lamar.

By Russ Baldwin