Payne County Approves Security Upgrades and Building Renovations at Administration Building

Payne County commissioners took action Monday to enhance security and accessibility at the county administration building, approving a series of interconnected projects that will restrict public entry, improve wheelchair access, and relocate staff during ongoing renovations.

The board authorized the purchase and installation of a $4,208.66 metal detector at the south entrance of the administration building, mirroring security measures already in place at the courthouse. The device will serve as the sole public entry point once the north doors are permanently closed.

"This is the same one that they have at the courthouse," Commissioner Seth Condley said during the meeting. "Obviously the price has gone up because it was two or three years ago, but it's the exact same thing."

The security checkpoint will be staffed by the sheriff's department, creating a controlled entry similar to courthouse procedures. Sheriff Joe Harper's office has prepared personnel to manage the new security station.

ADA Compliance and Parking Relocation

The metal detector installation necessitates relocating the building's handicapped accessible parking spaces from the north side to the south entrance. Commissioners approved an $8,020 contract with Gose and Associates Engineering to handle the design and construction phase oversight for the ADA parking relocation project.

Condley explained the rationale for choosing Gose and Associates over two competing bids:

"They have an extra task ... construction phase services ... that the other two did not provide. They would help out with any construction decisions with the construction company once it gets that far," Condley said. "But they said if they don't use any of those hours then ... they just won't charge for it."

The new parking configuration will create three ADA-compliant spots at the south entrance with proper slope angles and an accessible ramp, ensuring all visitors can reach the new public entry point.

Staggered Staff Relocations

As the third floor of the administration building nears completion, commissioners approved $5,000 for Stillwater Transfer and Storage to relocate offices, furniture, and equipment. The project will move the treasurer's office to the third floor, relocate the election board, and shuffle other departments accordingly.

Rather than executing all moves simultaneously, Condley coordinated the timing around the county's operational needs.

"The election board is looking like possibly not moving them until March because of all the elections they have coming up," Condley explained. "Courtney does not want to move, and then Lee and the treasurer department will probably be in January because they have the tax stuff coming up in November and December."

The staggered approach, scheduled for three separate days spanning January through March, allows departments to continue critical functions without operational disruption.

Commissioners also discussed whether to use inmates from the county jail for the moving work but ultimately decided against it.

"We're not too keen on that at this time," Condley said. "Just for liability issues we wanted to have a company that was bonded and insured."

Commemorative Recognition

The renovation project will be marked with a commemorative plaque to be installed on the third floor. Commissioners approved $3,861 for Dearingers to design and install the plaque, which Condley noted reflects standard practice for new construction projects.

"This is what they they quoted me for the plaques put up on the third floor that you see in the courthouse, you see in the admin building," Condley said. "Most construction companies do this when you build something new."

ARPA Funds and Future Budget Concerns

All four projects – security upgrades, ADA compliance, moving services, and the commemorative plaque – are being funded through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) interest funds that were allocated to county administration building improvements. The total expenditure represents $21,149.66 from the $100,000 ARPA interest fund designated for the building project.

Commission Chair Zach Cavett raised concerns about the county's reliance on ARPA interest funds for capital improvements, urging commissioners to plan ahead as those resources dwindle.

"I would just make note, when we're doing budgets you need to start budgeting some of these kind of things into your budget," Cavett told the board. "Because interest won't last long."

Condley acknowledged the reality of tightening resources.