By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.—Henry County Mayor Brent Greer, Circuit Court Clerk Mike Wilson and Security Officer Deputy Sgt. Ricky Wade Tuesday morning announced the completion of security improvements at the courthouse and courthouse annex which were funded through a $26,614 grant.
The grant was made available from the state’s Administrative Office of the Courts and was applied for by Wilson with input from Wade as to the areas that were most needed locally. The grant application was approved by the county’s courthouse security committee, made up of Sheriff Monte Belew, Clerk and Master Mary Burns, Chancellor Carma McGee, Greer, and District Attorney Matt Stowe.
The three items approved and funded include: a panic alarm system for the juvenile courtroom and entire courthouse annex; video conferencing system for juvenile court; and programmable office door locking system for Circuit and General Sessions court offices.
With completion of the installation, the county has now received its reimbursement check totaling $23,953.96 from the state. The grant paid for 90 percent of the project, with 10 percent, or some $2,600 paid from county funds.
After presentations from Wilson and Wade, the local courthouse committee decided which items had priority. Wilson had requested funding for five items and three were approved. Wilson said there is a possibility that funds will again be available from the state for the other projects.
The state made a total of $2 M available to improve court security across Tennessee. Wilson said Henry County officials always do a good job of knowing when grant money is available and to apply for it.
Greer applauded Wilson and Wade for their initiative and noted that both the state and Henry Co. have been proactive in the area of court security.
Photo: From left, County Mayor Brent Greer, Circuit Court Clerk Mike Wilson and Sgt. Ricky Wade at today’s announcement. (Shannon McFarlin photo).
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