Wayne County Recorder Debbie Tiemann hopes to be proactive about the safety of her staff and the confidential records her office maintains.
She discussed with Wayne County’s commissioners July 12 constructing a security wall for her department’s office space in the Wayne County Administration Building’s west wing. Tiemann has funds available to pay for the additional security.
“I just want to protect my people and the records,” said Tiemann, noting there are concerns about dealing with people who could be malicious.
Commissioners previously discussed a security wall with doors for the entire west wing that includes the recorder’s, auditor’s and treasurer’s offices. County council members, however, decided not to provide funding for that project.
The offices now have plexiglass atop counters and there are no doors to prevent entry into the office areas. Tiemann said the office staff has been healthier since the plexiglass was installed.
The discussed safety wall would have windows to speak with customers and a door to secure the office.
While there have been no specific threats or incidents affecting the security of the office, Tiemann said other county recorder offices have had problems with aggressive visitors, including constitutional auditors who often goad employees hoping to record their reactions on video. She has concerns the same could happen in Wayne County and that visitors could force their way to where confidential documents are kept.
Commissioner Brad Dwenger missed the meeting. Commissioners Jeff Plasterer and Mary Anne Butters supported better protecting the recorder’s office. An appointment had been established to receive a quote for what the work would cost.
A version of this article appeared in the July 19 2023 print edition of the Western Wayne News.