(KLZA)--The Falls City Council Monday evening approved a compromise to a request from the Richardson County Commission for two parking stalls on 18th Street on the north side of the Courthouse for Sheriff's Deputies and two handicapped stalls on 17th Street south of the Courthouse.

The request was tabled earlier this month.  On Monday evening, County Commission Chairman David Sickel explained the Board has decided for security reasons to allow just the south entrance to the Courthouse as a public entrance.  He said they plan to redo the curb on the south side  to make the entrance handicapped accessible.

Councilman Derek Leyden expressed concern about possibly losing two parking stalls in the courthouse area.  

Currently, there are four handicapped parking stalls adjacent to the courthouse on 18th street.

Council member Mike Dougherty, a Richardson County Deputy Sheriff, explained why the Sheriff's Office wants to be able to park on the north side of the building and utilize the sliding glass door on the lower level to transport prisoners to County and District Court.   Dougherty said the existing parking lot on the east side of the Courthouse is heavily utilized and crowded.  He said it would require a Deputy to park, let a prisoner out and then have the prisoner stand there is shackles while the Deputy parks the patrol unit in a parking stall.

The approved agreement will create two handicapped  stalls on the south side of the Courthouse. The four handicapped stalls currently on the north side of the courthouse on 18th street will be removed and the raised area in front of the sliding glass door entrance to the lower level of the Courthouse will be designated for Sheriff's Department parking from 8:00 A.M. 0 4:00 P.M. Monday through Friday.  

The compromise actually creates two additional regular parking spaces on the north side of the building.  The motion passed unanimously.