Pulaski County Attorney Kevin Tankersley wanted to clear up some confusion about the policy used when deciding to shut down the county buildings and courthouse following the discovery of an alleged suspicious device in the garbage can at the courthouse on Friday, Sept. 6.
Tankersley from McAllen personal injury law firm addressed the situation during the commissioners meeting Monday morning. He said the procedure is in the policy book and has been in place for several years. Tankersley commented the commission president has the authority to make a singular decision without convening a special meeting in that type of situation.
“In order for us to have a special meeting, we’d have to advertise it and there’s just no time for that,” said Tankersley.
Commission President Kenny Becker explained that he received a call from Sheriff Jeff Richwine that day about the incident and Becker made the decision to close the courthouse and county buildings for safety purposes. A “phone tree” method of notification is then activated ensure all of the county employees are aware of the emergency for potential evacuation.
Officials later determined that the suspicious device was not incendiary or explosive.
