Tim Walker
AMR Reporter
Pocahontas County Commissioners discussion possible requirements for the future courthouse security position at its February 20 meeting. These positions will staff the metal detector and x-ray machine at the only public entrance to the courthouse.
Proposed requirements for applicants:
• Minimum 21 years old.
• Minimum of a high school diploma or a GED.
• Able to pass a criminal background check and psychological testing.
• Physically fit, pass a medical examination and be able to handle climbing up and down stairs.
• Willing to attend and pass the training required by the sheriff, including possible overnight training lasting for up to several weeks.
• Possibly taking and passing Court Bailiff training.
• Possess good writing skills and good public speaking skills.
Several of these requirements, according to Sheriff Jeff Barlow, will need to be discussed with the commission in a closed session. For example, possibly lowering the minimum age to 18 to accommodate newly graduating high school students. Barlow also wants the commission to clarify if this position will involve carrying a handgun.
He would not predict what the pay scale for the position would be since there has not yet been a budget set for the position.
After providing the above information, the commission went into a closed Executive Session with the Sheriff to further discuss this position and courthouse security.
In other matters, the commission:
• approved the employment of Lee Ryder as a full-time Day Report Officer, starting March 5
• set the dates for them to meet in sessions to work on the fiscal year 2024/25 county budget. Those work sessions will be:
– Thursday, March 7, beginning at 3:30 p.m.
– Monday, March 11, beginning at 3:30 p.m.
– Thursday, March 14, beginning at 10 a.m. – at which they will meet with the various elected officials of the county government.
