Council opposes security
mandate
By Heather Mangold
City
Editor
Tippecanoe County commissioners and county council
members opposed a mandate order on Thursday that would increase Tippecanoe
County Courthouse security.
Circuit Court judge Ronald E. Melichar issued a
mandate order on Thursday ordering that all entrances to the courthouse
be closed except one. He added that an x-ray scanner, cameras or other
more sophisticated technology should be purchased. Melichar also suggested
that certain county officials should deliver names of pre-screened people
for by-pass security entry into the courthouse to Sheriff Dave Murtaugh.
Murtaugh said, "I am obviously in favor of the
sheriff's department handling courthouse security."
Commissioners and county council members opposed
Melichar's mandate order.
Following their opposition, Melichar filed a request
for the appointment of a special judge on Oct. 24 with the Indiana Supreme
Court, which appointed Raymond D. Kickbush as the judge to hear the
matter, according to court documents.
The commission and council members also tried to
settle the matter in mediation, but were unsuccessful.
Commissioners filed a motion to dismiss the mandate
because of the following reasons, according to court documents:
The mandate exceeded the scope of Melichar's authority
because he failed to demonstrate the need for funds to commissioners
before issuing the mandate.
The mandate asserted that Judge Melichar did not
make a dollar appropriation request before issuing the mandate.
The mandate did not contain any findings that the
mandated security measures are reasonably necessary for the operation
of the court.
Melichar was exercising control over the courthouse
offices for which he did not have authority.
Commissioners and council members were not available
for comment.
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