The Marshall County Council has reversed its decision to eliminate the County Building’s security officer. Council members agreed Friday to put funding for the position back into the 2021 budget, after a number of department heads who work there expressed concern.
County Commissioner Kevin Overmyer told council members that it was important to continue to have a security presence in the building. “With the way things are going now across this country, not saying that Marshall County or Plymouth or anybody else is being targeted, but you know, a week ago, we had a shooting up at University Park Mall. Somebody got killed. And I think for the safety of our employees and the citizens here in the county, I think we should keep that position and let it remain in the sheriff’s budget,” Overmyer said.
Additionally, Commissioner Stan Klotz said the county’s safety committee voted unanimously to recommend that the funding be reinstated.
Council Member Jon Van Vactor said that after reviewing the proposed budget, he thought it could sustain the position, with the other cuts that have been made. Auditor Julie Fox added that the county may also have a lot more income tax revenue available than previously thought, after the Department of Local Government Finance revised its revenue forecast. Still, Council President Judy Stone said she’d like council members to make more cuts to offset the reinstated position.
During Monday’s county commissioners meeting, they said they were happy to see the security officer position back in the budget. The Marshall County Council will adopt the 2021 budget on October 12.
