Local officials gathered Friday to formally cut the ribbon on a new security building at the west entrance of the Geary County Courthouse.
The west entrance has become the primary entrance to the courthouse in recent years for security reasons.
Court Administrator Nikki Davenport said, "The purpose of the building is to provide safety and security for not only our staff and judges but for the community and citizens that utilize our services and come to the courthouse."
Davenport noted that the building provides greater security. "When you have the ability space people out, people aren't crammed. It kind of lessens even a security threat. It kind of lessens even a security threat when people know that there is a security checkpoint when they have to enter our buildings." Davenport also pointed out it provides peace of mind for people utilizing the court services and come to the courthouse.
The project was funded by a combination of federal COVID ARPA money and county public commission funds. County Commissioner Keith Ascher confirmed the cost was in the approximate $700,000 range.
Ascher noted the entrance was needed due to a combination of a couple things. "This west entrance was failing and it needed repair. COVID really was the driving force."