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NEWBERRY -- The Luce County 4-H office manages youth development, and the probation office manages convicted felons. For years they've been under the same roof in opposite wings, but that's all about to change. The County Board voted to move the probation office across from 4-H, alarming news for many working in the building.

"It's just not a good idea to have felons down the hall from our 4-H clubs and from families and children that come in our office," said Cheryl Powell, a secretary at the 4-H office.

Currently the probation office is located directly across from the Sheriff's department which many building employees say is a benefit for safety and security.

"Having the Probation-Parole office across the office from us, when the judge sentences an individual to jail or prison, that person has to be interviewed by a probation parole officer," said Undersheriff, Michael Jago. "Right now we can walk them across the hall, set them down and a deputy can sit there if required."

So why did the board make this controversial decision? Nobody on the county commission would speak on camera but board chair, Phyllis French did release this statement:

"To make the best utilization of the office space that is available to better serve the citizens of Luce County." So how would the move benefit the county if so many people are against it? According to the Luce County Prosecutor, Pete Tazelaar, it would generate revenue.

"It's my understanding that they have an outside tenant for the space that currently houses parole and that they would be able to generate income with that if they move parole down to this end of the building, that space would be vacant and rentable and would generate income," he said.

It's ultimately up to the County Commission; revenue or security. Right now plans are in place to go ahead with the move, but the issue is expected be revisited at the next county board meeting on March 10th.