Perry County Commission approves $400,000 capital budget, limits guns at the courthouse

The Perry County Commission approved a $400,000 capital budget for courthouse repairs.  

At their Sept. 8 meeting, the county commission reviewed upgrades to the courthouse and its annexes. Major allocations include: 

The improvements will be funded by combining $120,000 from the 2024-2025 improvement fund, $110,000 in landfill revenue and $175,000 from the 2025-2026 capital improvement fund.  

Only certified law enforcement officers and county-employed security personnel will be allowed to carry weapons in the Perry County Courthouse, the county commission voted on Sept. 8.  

Civilian visitors and non-certified staff are barred from carrying all weapons.  

Under the new policy, only those with up-to-date firearm qualification certifications may carry handguns inside the Perry County Courthouse. Certified taser operators are authorized to carry electronic control devices, and any other defensive spray must be approved through a county certification process.  

Commissioners also voted to add two safeguards for security personnel: mandatory psychological evaluations prior to firearm authorization and special training courses that meet standards set by the Perry County Sheriff’s Department.  

The county commission appointed Marion Military Institute Commandant Col. Edwin W. Passmore to a two-year term on the Perry County Hospital Board.  

The commission considered relocating the May 2026 “roving” polling precinct to the Francis Marion High School gymnasium, which offers heating and air conditioning. Concerns over road width and safety led to a decision to table the measure until the next meeting, pending a memorandum of understanding with the school board and confirmation that classes will be out of session on election day.