Security Upgrade a Must, Says Board of Supervisors

SCHOHARIE — On January 19, the Schoharie Board of Supervisors considered Resolution 29, aiming to enhance building security in all county-operated facilities. A Safety and Security committee was formed, expecting to review current and potential security enhancements.

Safety and Security Committee Chair, Town of Jefferson Supervisor Peggy Hait, began her report by highlighting the new lobby doors. She mentioned a second ad seeking personnel to operate the recently purchased metal detector for the county. Hait expressed the committee's belief in the necessity of acquiring an X-ray machine (to scan bags). She stated, "We have homeless people in the lobby area, and we don't know what they are carrying. For the safety of the building, we feel that we should move forward with the X-ray machine, either as a phase two to this project or order it right away."

Schoharie Town Supervisor Alan Tavener questioned the need for an X-ray if a metal detector is in use. Blenheim Town Supervisor Donald Airey explained that the X-ray machine expedites the entire security procedure by scanning bags, mail, and packages entering the building.

Hait sought approval for acquiring a key card entry system for the personnel office. This system would enable supervisors to instantly revoke entry for any personnel who is either fired or placed on administrative leave. The deputy overseeing security would receive a daily log indicating any changes to personnel. Hait reported instances where Deputy Wood had allowed entry to individuals who were either fired or placed on administrative leave as he was not made aware of the changes.

Another significant change would be that egress and entry would be restricted to the Spring Street entrance, with the Main Street entrance and other exit doors designated for emergency use only.

County Administrator, Korsah Akumfi was present to answer budget-related questions. He explained that the money for these upgrades was set aside during the January 2023 planning meeting, with a total of $750,000 allocated specifically for three subcommittee actions, including security measures. Akumfi emphasized that there was no commitment on how the money would be divided among the subcommittee actions, and security personnel would also be paid from this budget.

The Board ultimately approved a motion to purchase the new ID System at not more than $10,500 and the X-ray Machine at not more than $30,000.

After a brief interview with Supervisor Hait this past Wednesday, it was revealed that the Board of Supervisors began considering these measures at their January 2023 planning meeting. When questioned about any impetus for the increase in security measures, Hait clarified that, while there were no specific incidents, the Board felt it was time to move in this direction. Hait cited a responsibility to citizens and county employees alike in maintaining safety and security throughout county-operated facilities. She explained that clear goals were established through comparisons and observations of surrounding counties, revealing a relatively uniform approach from county to county, which helped lay the groundwork to identify and implement necessary changes.