HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Sheriff Randy Henderson sees an issue for his department once it moves out of the Law Enforcement Center and into the basement of the Reno County Courthouse.

During his briefing to the Reno County Commission, he noted the department will lose 32 parking spaces on the west side of the courthouse and law enforcement campus once the move is made. He’s proposing the addition of 22 parking spaces on the east side of the courthouse.

Henderson made the suggestion because there are no spaces to replace those lost in the move. He says deputies, detectives and — occasionally — administrative staff need quick access to their vehicles.

He says parking along the east side of the Reno County Health Department is very limited because that lot is used by courthouse personnel and the public.

Henderson says the only other option is in front of the courthouse — in the street — or across 1st Street in the old Sears Lot, which is now used by other courthouse and annex staff members. He says the county does not own that lot and permission to park there could change at any time.

Henderson proposed using the lot directly east of the courthouse. Law enforcement officials, judges and district attorneys who may be armed could enter the doors on the south side and the east side of the courthouse.

Henderson has $40,000 budgeted in 2019 for the move. He says the county can use that money if it doesn’t have enough for the move this year.

Hutchinson Police Chief Dick Heitschmidt wants to move into the current back office of the sheriff’s department by March 1, 2019. If enough money is not available, Heitschmidt said the department will have to postpone that move.