HomeMy WebLinkAboutCorrespondence - BOCC (003)February 21, 2023
GRANT COUNTY
OFFICE OF THE
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
P 0 Box 37
EPHRATA WA 98823
(509) 754-2011
Re: Support for the Court Security Matching Grant Program
Dear Senator Warnick,
Grant County Commissioners are writing in support of the "Small and Rural Courthouse
Security Matching Grant Program", which will help our local courts and governments obtain the
resources to enhance current security and safety.
So many small and rural courthouses in economically distressed parts of Washington State do
not meet basic security standards. State funding is needed to close the gap between what local
governments can afford with their very limited revenue and small tax bases to ensure the safety
of their courthouses in their communities.
Adequate security is particularly significant during these challenging times of heightened threats
to the security of government buildings. Courthouses are the hub of civic life where disputes are
resolved by the rule of law. Court proceedings can be emotional events and courts are reporting
an increase in security disturbances and serious threats to judicial officers and court employees.
Please support this funding request to create the Small and Rural Courthouse Matching Grant
Program so that courts* in lower -resourced jurisdictions can hire private court security staff and
purchase equipment for weapon screening, security cameras, duress alarms, and emergency
notification systems that address the unique security needs of each courthouse. This funding of
$2.5 million annually will give local courts and governments the resources to improve public
safety in their courthouses.
Danny E. Stone Rob Jones Cindy Carter
District, _ ' trict 2 District 3
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"TO ET CURRE T AND FUTURE NEEDS9 SERVING C-0 T ER WITH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ENTITIES9 WHILE FOSTERING
A RESPECTFUL AND SUCCESSFUL WORK ENVIRONMENT."
We appreciate your attention to this crucial need to protect public safety in courthouses. Full
funding of this request will help provide equitable and safe court access to community members
across the state.
Sincerely,
BOARD OF GRANT COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Rob rJone , �i it Cindy Carter, Vice -Chair Danny E tone, Member
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