Supervisors discuss traffic fines and courthouse deputy proposal

MT. PLEASANT — Last week, Henry County supervisors continued discussions on adopting a county traffic code expected to retain tens of thousands of dollars a year in fines and signaled they would approve hiring a part-time deputy to patrol the courthouse once a formal proposal is submitted.

During the Sept. 25 meeting, supervisor Steve Detrick opened the discussion on the proposed traffic ordinance by saying the county could generate “about $80,000 in income” annually by passing a local traffic code that lets the county keep a greater share of fine revenue.

The proposed ordinance wouldn’t alter how deputies enforce traffic laws, but it would allow citations to be written under county code rather than state law — keeping the fine revenue local instead of sending it to the state.

Sheriff Rich McNamee told the board about similar moves nearby.

“Two of our neighboring counties just adopted an ordinance to bring the traffic code into county ordinance … and it’s paying dividends,” he told the board.

Supervisor Chad White, a former law enforcement officer, agreed and rhetorically asked why they wouldn’t adopt such an ordinance.

Detrick wrapped up the brief conversation by stating he would follow up with the county attorney to assess legal feasibility.

The board also revisited courthouse security, though the discussion centered around the inside of the courthouse as opposed to external cameras like some residents requested at the Sept. 4 meeting.

McNamee summarized some information gathered and discussed after a closed meeting in May on the subject. According to documents presented by McNamee, court surcharges brought in $22,279 last fiscal year, with 60% earmarked for courthouse security. Under Iowa law, a 15% surcharge is attached to criminal fines and other court costs to help fund local justice and security services, and counties are responsible for maintaining courthouse safety.

McNamee proposed hiring a part-time uniformed deputy to be stationed at the courthouse during the busiest court days.

“With active attacks becoming more volatile,” McNamee said, “I’m prepared to move forward with a part-time deputy here in the courthouse.”

Supervisor Greg Lindeen voiced support for the idea.

“I am very much in favor of proceeding with this, and the sooner, the better,” he told McNamee. “I leave it up to you to figure out how you want to do this exactly with our blessing.”

Detrick also expressed that he was “all in favor.”

“I think it's something we need to do, and this probably something that's past due,” Detrick said. “So, it's obviously time to step up and make sure that we have a secure facility, not just for the employees here, but the community as well.”

McNamee estimated he could have a detailed plan ready within 30 days, and the board informally agreed to move forward once he presents specifics on costs and scheduling.

Henry County’s next steps include reviewing draft ordinance language with the county attorney and reviewing McNamee’s security staffing proposal before taking formal votes in the coming weeks.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com