LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) — The fencing around the courthouse is coming down next week.
Tippecanoe County Commissioners said some time in the coming days the around $6,000 fence will be gone.
Tracy Brown told News 18 commissioners and the Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Office agreed on a six month rental, but feel it is ready to be dismantled.
Brown said it will be paid with tax dollar money out of the commissioner's budget.
He added the fence served its purpose.
"We conferenced with the sheriff and the sheriff's staff and that suggestion was made," said Brown. "Can we at least put a barrier between the two and not a people barrier. That doesn't work in those situations. Something that can actually keep folks back a little bit and does a better job of protecting the courthouse."
Brown said he supports people voicing their opinion, but wanted to make sure the courthouse and people protesting are safe.
"Probably heard the old adage fool me once, shame on you fool me twice, shame on me," said Brown. "We thought given what had already happened for us to do nothing at that point and time would have been negligent on our part."
Brown said the damage to the courthouse is estimated to be around $7,000.
That includes replacing the glass, cleaning the limestone and employee hours.
