Courthouse security was discussed at the recent Guthrie County Board of Supervisors meeting.

Human Resources Director Pam Lane informed the Board that she held several meetings with other department heads to discuss the Iowa Legislature’s recent gun law expansion allowing weapons in public buildings, excluding courtrooms. Courthouses are only allowed to restrict weapons from the building if they have security personnel and screening equipment. Lane said options the Board could consider would be to hire retired deputies as security or contract a security firm. Supervisor Cliff Carney asked what they would do about other County buildings like the Transfer Station and the Health Services building.

Sheriff Marty Arganbright and County Attorney Brenna Bird said they did not attend these security meetings, but Arganbright explained this new law could benefit the County in which people acting in good faith could help in a situation when someone else is attempting to inflict harm at the courthouse. He said that the County should hope for the best. Supervisor Mike Dickson suggested that they look at security options at the next budget time, such as installing bulletproof glass windows.