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WACKENHUT PROPOSAL REVIEWED SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT FUNDED FOR SECURITY IN NEW COURTHOUSE Administrator Chandler reviewed the following memo dated November 10, 1994: TO: Board of County. Commissioners DATE: November 10, 1994 FILE: SUBJECT: Courthouse Security FROM:aures E. Chandler REFERENCES: County Administrator In view of the overall FY 94/95 budget constraints, at the July budget workshops the Board of County Commissioners concurred with the staff recommendation that the Sheriff's proposed budget be reduced to no expense increase. As a result, the Sheriff subsequently submitted cuts totaling $468,050 in courthouse security and the step program. With the scheduled opening of the -new courthouse, the provision of security needs to be addressed. To date the Sheriff's Department has provided the courthouse security. An October 30, 1989administrative order by Chief Judge Geiger authorized and directed the Sheriff of Indian River County to conduct limited weapons searches and monitor entrances and exits (Attachment 1) . Florida Statutes provide that the Sheriff is responsible for courtroom security and the County for the building security (Attachment 11) . The Sheriff has advised that his department will continue the total security if the funding is allocated by the County. To provide security for the new courthouse, the Sheriff's original proposed FY 94/95 budget included 7 additional positions at an expense of $243,953 ( Attachment 111) . The cuts, referred to previously, included the 7 additional positions, as well as a decrease in funding for 1 existing bailiff position, for a total reduction of $278,593. To formulate a recommended plan for the new courthouse, staff met with the Sheriff and his staff. As a result, the Sheriff submitted a revised budget totaling $282,492 (Attachment IV) for the balance of this fiscal year. This revised 10 month budget would equate to approximately $335,023 annually. The proposed annualized expense Is higher than the original proposed security budget and more than the $278,593 cut. The difference is primarily in two areas. First, 8 additional positions are proposed as compared to 7 originally. The Sheriff indicated that as construction progressed, a re-evaluation of security requirements reflected a need for the additional position. The second area is attributed to the fact that individuals with prior experience will be recruited. Considering the timing, the Sheriff advised that If approved, the total security could not be achieved until mid-February at best. However, he indicated that by the opening, the Department would be in a position to provide security at the major points as in the current building. 29 November 15, 1994 BOOK b 3 PA;L 7 4"1