Commissioners discuss whether to allow employees to carry on county property

Whether or not to allow Jackson County employees to carry an open or concealed weapon on Jackson County property and vehicles was discussed by the Jackson County Commissioners Monday. 

It light of recent shootings throughout the country, Jackson County Sheriff Deputy Gary Thiessan, who provides security for the Courthouse, suggested to the commissioners that they change a policy banning county employees from carrying a weapon on county property.

A state law signed by Gov. Sam Brownback last year prevents local governments from restricting open carry in government buildings. However, the county’s current employee policy handbook states that employees, except law enforcement, cannot carry a weapon while on county grounds, vehicles or equipment. 

With changes in state laws, the county has allowed the open and conceal carry of firearms in the courthouse since 2013 by the public. Firearms, however, are not allowed in the courtrooms, and special screenings are in place when court is in session to make sure no weapons are in the courtroom.

That same year, the Jackson County commissioners adopted a resolution to the county’s employee policy manual prohibited employees from possessing a firearm in any county vehicle or equipment, with the exception of law enforcement personnel.

Employees are also currently prohibited from storing a personal firearm in any county facility (such as the Courthouse), equipment or vehicle.

The county resolution also states that law enforcement personnel are the only county employees authorized to use deadly force while acting on behalf of the county. 

While the Jackson County Courthouse is equipped with a variety of security measures, including several panic buttons, security personnel are only present on the third floor of the building and only on days when court is in session, it was reported. 

All three commissioners agreed to have County Counselor Alex Morrissey look into changing the policy in the employee handbook.

Morrissey is resigning from her position as counselor to the county at the end of the year, and the commissioners have appointed County Attorney Shawna Miller to the position.

Miller will receive a $12,000 increase in pay by serving as the county counselor, it was reported.

In other business during Monday’s meeting, Dan Robinson, noxious weed director and solid waste manager, reported that the baler used at the county recycling center needs to be replaced. 

Robinson said the baler was purchased used in 1994, and he and staff members have been “patching it together” over the years. 

“Parts are only available in Germany,” Robinson said.

After examining the machine during a recent repair, Robinson said he discovered that two of the three main hinges were broken. He’s “red-tagged” the machine so that it’s not longer being used.

The baler creates bales that measure 77 x 48 x 36. A new baler costs $86,000, but Robinson said he is looking into purchasing another used machine. Once he has a quote for a used machine, Robinson said he would inform the commissioners.   

“Every two weeks we’re welding something on it,” he said. “Something is going to break off, and we don’t want anyone to get hurt.”

The commissioners also met with David Elsbury, KANZA Mental Health & Guidance Center CEO, on Monday to continue a discussion on mental health services being provided by KANZA at the Jackson County Jail.

Elsbury provided a report on mental health services billed to the county. A total of 10 county inmates received mental health services at the jail during portions of 2014 and 2015.

During that time period, 38 services (nine admission evaluations, 25 counseling sessions, three medication check-ups, one psychiatric evaluation and one psychological test) were rendered by KANZA. 

Of those, 30 were conducted face-to-face at the jail, three were at KANZA’s office and three were conducted by televideo. The total cost of these services totaled $1,885.

“When we’ve been called to deliver services, we show up,” Elsbury said. “We don’t refuse to see anyone.”

Elsbury said that KANZA has also treated additional inmates at the jail, with bills sent to Nemaha County, the U.S. Marshals and Kansas Medicaid. 

The commissioners thanked Elsbury for the additional information. No action was taken on the issue. 

Note: The commissioners will meet on Tuesday of next week instead of Monday in order to attend an employment law seminar that day in Topeka.