According to Keough, the approved position will provide additional security for both his office and himself as he travels to represent the county.
"This is an item that continues to come up," Keough said. "It comes up for me personally; it comes up as we defend the county and present and react to mandates that are put on the county that we have received in terms of security issues."
The deputy's position will be paid for out-of-county contingency funds with an annual salary of $56,139. A vehicle will be provided from Montgomery County Emergency Management, though an additional $7,500 is budgeted for necessary equipment.
"Each of the commissioners has a budget, and you guys can pretty much do what you need within the budget, and as it has been voted, you can do it without approval of the court," Keough said. "I do not have that ability. I feel like this is necessary."
Commissioner Mike Meador said he was in favor of providing Keough with a deputy, adding each commissioner has one at their office for security and it was time for the judge to have one as well.
Commissioners Charlie Riley and James Noack said they were opposed to the idea, with Riley adding he feels there is adequate security at the commissioners office.
"There are panic buttons everywhere, and there are doors that are locked," Riley said. "I'm sure there are safety precautions in place ... but maybe we need to look at another bailiff to sit in this office and guard this floor of the building."
Noack stated he was opposed due to the request not being put in during budget discussions earlier this year and the officer assigned to him is not housed at his office.
"He is out in the streets with the guys taking care of our roadways," Noack said. "He is not there to protect me; that is what 911 is for."
