Keyless entry considered for law enforcement center, courthouse

Union County Courthouse building and grounds director Shawn Lauer met with the board of supervisors Monday about installing keyless entry in the courthouse and Law Enforcement Center and improved plumbing and heating for the jail.

“The sheriff had asked me to look into what it would cost to go to a keyless entry system,” Lauer said.

Lauer said he is still waiting for additional bids for the devices that allow a door to open by use of an employee identification card or a fob, like what newer models of some vehicles use.

Lauer said the jail’s heating system also does not perform well where the cells are as people notice the difference in room temperature. In addition to heating, Lauer also wants to improve plumbing and fixtures. Baseboard heater system is estimated at $5,200.

Initial improvements for the courthouse and Law Enforcement Center were to receive $75,000 from the county’s America Rescue funds. For keyless entry throughout the courthouse and Law Enforcement Center, the cost estimate is $112,000. Lauer questioned having keyless entry at every door. He would consider only using high-security areas, like the county attorney’s office.

Lauer also questioned the longterm use of keyless entry and the courthouse.

“I’m trying to be mindful, do we put a lot of money in projects for a building that potentially in 10 years we’re not using,” he said.

Lauer said the state’s jail inspector requested a five-year plan for the jail and its need improvements.

“Some things are allowed to continue with the intention the plan is to be developed to fix them in the future,” he said.

Lauer said the county is not able to normally budget all the improvements needed for the jail.

Supervisors expect further discussions with Lauer and Sheriff Mark Shepherd about the jail’s condition.

That keyless entry option was not included in the first approvals of spending the county’s American Rescue Funds. Provided by the federal government, funds were given to local municipalities to make up for lost revenue during the COVID pandemic. Union County was awarded $2.38 million.

Union County has an estimated $308,000 remaining of its American Rescue funds. That does not include all purchases. County Auditor Sandy Hysell said a ramp for easier access to the south door entrance of the courthouse and the keyless entry are not included. The appropriate ramp still has not been found.

In a related matter, supervisors approved $80,000 to assist with a new, small-animal building at the fairgrounds.

A year ago, when the county was determining how to spend its American Rescue funds, representatives from the fairgrounds requested funds for the building and better seating at the rodeo arena. Supervisors then only approved funding for the rodeo arena.

Supervisors Monday approved the $80,000 only with the contingency the fair board provides the remaining amount and constructs the building. Cost estimate for the building is $150,000.

In other county news...

County Treasurer Kelly Busch said the property at 402 Second Ave. in Thayer in on the tax sale list. The adjoining property owner, Keith Mitchell, is interested in purchasing the lot. The property has unpaid property taxes and Southern Iowa Rural Water Association fees. Supervisor Rick Friday said the property is in poor condition and knows the interested buyer will make improvements.

Busch asked the board of supervisors how they would like to proceed with the property and unpaid taxes considering there is an interested buyer. Busch said the county’s amount owed is $3,742 without interest. Including SIRWA fees and interest, the amount is $6,975. The assessed value of the property is $15,610. The land is $2,570.

Supervisor Rick Friday made a motion to accept half of the taxes owed, which is $1,871 and have the buyer meet with SIRWA about its fees. Supervisor Ron Riley second the motion. Motion passed unanimously.