Denton County commissioners have agreed to set formal hours of operation for county buildings and property in an effort to curb criminal activity around the Courthouse on the Square and other sites.
By identifying that the buildings are closed from midnight to 6 a.m., commissioners aim to help law enforcement regulate early morning visitors at certain locations where there have been reports of vandalism and damage to property.
Now the county will post plainly visible signs so the hours of operation will be clear.
"It is primarily an enforcement tool for law enforcement to protect taxpayer investments," Denton County Judge Mary Horn said. "We're not restricting use of the buildings or lawn for any functions."
The county has received several reports of property damage done by people who gathered to socialize on county property, such as the Courthouse on the Square lawn.
Recent reports from employees mentioned paint on trees, broken windows, litter and vandalism to buildings.
At an Aug. 11 meeting, members of the Denton Main Street Association and the Industrial Street Guild met with local law enforcement agencies to discuss efforts to protect the Square area.
Suggestions included cameras and increased visibility of law enforcement officers around the area at night.
"Hopefully, it will help not only the county but the businesses on the Square," Horn said.
She said it should also help in other communities where the county has property.
Many public events, such as the Denton Holiday Lighting Festival, are held regularly on the lawn of the Courthouse on the Square.
There would be some leeway given on nights when there are functions that begin early in the night and end at midnight, Horn said.
"Obviously, if there is something going on the lawn and it doesn't end at midnight, no one is going to run out on the lawn at 12:05," she said. "It's not unlike cities that post hours at a park."
Horn is hoping to erect signs listing the hours as soon as possible and will be meeting with area business owners and historical officials to discuss ideas.
"We want to come up with some proposed ideas for signage and run it by the merchants and the historical structures committee to make sure everyone is OK," Horn said. "You want them to do what they are designed to do, but don't want something so unsightly it detracts from the nice area."
BJ LEWIS can be reached at 940-566-6875. His e-mail address is blewis@dentonrc.com .
