JACKSON — Tensions were high as the Facility and Security Committee debated the eradication of bats and security at Northampton County’s historic courthouse.

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The discussion became heated when County Manager Wayne Jenkins informed the panel the Northampton County Commissioners have tabled its recommendations for bat removal and the hiring of two additional sworn officers.

The County Commissioners decided on Monday to address these issues after the county’s audit is completed in November.

Jenkins presented a proposal to the board for a $19, 998 contract with Truetech Inc., for the eradication of bats from the 150-year-old courthouse and a decision paper recommending hiring two sworn deputies to man the weapon and metal detector equipment for the courthouse and provide courthouse security costing $84,260 per year.

“I don’t understand why this is not being treated as a priority,” said Clerk of Court Michele Spruill after hearing Jenkins’ report. “The courthouse should be a safe and healthy environment. Spruill added “when we are removed from it — it doesn’t affect us as much.”

Immediately after those words were spoken, Jenkins response to Spruill was,  “I feel I am under attack here, I invite you to appear before the board.”

Jenkins noted this is not the first time Spruill has “lashed out ” and the panel should come up with ways to present these issues to the board and give them time to react.

Jenkins said that it wouldn’t be unrealistic for the board to decide to fund the courthouse repairs and expenses through the 2009-2010 budget.

Spruill said since her last meeting she has been diagnosed with allergies directly related to mold and dust. “I hold Northampton County responsible,” said Spruill as she reached into her purse and pulled out her medication.

“The bat situation should take priority, right now.”

So far, the panel has come with more than $200,000 in expenses to address the issues of the courthouse.

Jenkins said that there is not much money left in the fund balance, with the sales tax down and the economy in a poor state. The commissioners had not planned on dealing with such a crisis, he added.

Jenkins urged the panel to give some thought and “to be mindful because this can be overwhelming to the commissioners.”

“We are not looking to overwhelm the commissioners,”  Judge Alfred W. Kwasikpui said.

“But we want to get this to them as soon as possible because the rural courts advised us to bring this to the commissioners,” said Judge Kwasikpui adding that the bat situation is serious and needs to be dealt with expeditiously.

Kwasikpui said that the bats used to be on the walls in the stairways and now they are in flight.

“I have seen them and people are running. We are dealing with guano and feces and this situation is urgent.”

Kwasikpui said the commissioners decision to delay funding could pose liability for the county. “The public should know about this and the possible consequences.”

Pauline Deloatch, Northampton County register of deeds, and a member of the panel said “ we come together for the concerns of everybody and we are all representatives of Northampton County.  We are here to solve issues not to create more issues. Let’s keep it together so we can accomplish our mission.”

Since the courthouse is considered to be a historic site,  Kwasikpui said that they are looking into browsing Web sites for grants from organizations such as the Golden Leaf Foundation to help fund the needs of the courthouse.

Also, on Nov. 13, Kwasikpui and Judge Cy A. Grant Sr. are planning to tour several counties such as Vance and Halifax, that have built new courthouse complexes or have been renovated.

Kwaskipui said they want to gather as much information as possible on everything that’s involved when planning to build a new complex and what to expect in renovating a courthouse.

“If a new courthouse is constructed, how will we make use of the old courthouse. Perhaps we can learn and gain from their mistakes.”