A private company is being considered by the Gasconade County Commission for providing daily security at the courthouse.

Having security on hand became a pressing issue last week as the deputy sheriff assigned to that role left Sheriff Scott Eiler know he would be leaving for a position with the federal government in another county. The sheriff indicated to the Commission Thursday morning that he has not plan to fill the deputy’s position on the department’s roster of personnel. He said a private security firm could be funded for less than what is paid to the deputy in terms of salary and benefits.

The sheriff said he thinks a private security company could have a person at the main entrance to the courthouse daily during business hours for about $25 an hour.

Presiding Commissioner Tim Schulte, R-Hermann, favors Eiler’s proposal.

“I think it’s a good idea,” he said. “I think it will take a lot off your plate.”

Indeed, having a private company responsible for security means the sheriff will not have to schedule regular personnel moves to ensure courthouse security in the event of illness, vacation or other more-pressing assignments that would mean the front-door position might be without a deputy.

Northern District Associate Commissioner Jim Holland, R-Hermann, pointed to the cost savings in moving to a private company, which would be responsible for the salary and benefits of the person stationed there, as well as rotating personnel in and out as needed.

“It would be cheaper than to have a deputy there,” the commissioner said during their session Feb. 5 held at Owensville City Hall.

Eiler said he would contact a private security company in the region about having a representative of the firm meet with the Commission during tomorrow’s session back in Hermann.

Courthouse security became a primary concern of county administrators in the last couple years — a development that took on added emphasis when the county’s municipalities shifted all their Municipal Court cases to the county’s Division 4 of the 20th Circuit Court. That move, made possible in recent years by a change in state law, resulted in a crowded courthouse on Municipal Court day.

SB 3 considerations

In other matters taken up at last week’s session held in Owensville City Hall, the Commission noted that county government was asked by the Missouri Associate of Counties is it wanted to join several other counties challenging the legality of Senate Bill 3, the new state law aimed at giving homeowners some relief on their property tax. The judge hearing the challenge filed initially by a few counties refused to grant a summary judgment — a quick ruling from the bench — regarding an April 7 vote on the law. Many of the state’s 114 counties, including Gasconade, have placed Senate Bill 3 on their General Municipal Elections ballot.

“Do we want to join the lawsuit fighting this?” asked Schulte.

“I don’t think we want to join this suit,” replied Southern District Associate Commissioner Ron Hardecke, R-Owensville.

Holland said he wanted to get more information before making a decision on joining the legal challenge.