KALAMAZOO, MI -- In response to hostile interactions with constituents, Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners Vice Chair Stephanie Moore requested additional security be present at public meetings.

Moore asked Chair Dale Shugars and Administrator Tracie Moored to strengthen the police presence at bimonthly meetings of the Board of Commissioners. A plainclothes deputy in attendance is often accompanied by the sheriff or undersheriff, but Moore said recent incidents have left her feeling unsafe.

"Rhetoric is one thing; physical intimidation and harassment is another,' Moore said. "I don't need to deal with that kind of trauma."

The request was made public during a Tuesday meeting. Several members of Moore's district, including Metropolitan Kalamazoo Branch of the NAACP President Rev. Strick Strickland, called for an end to harassment.

Shugars said an additional plainclothes deputy will be present on a case-by-case basis, to keep costs down, depending on how likely the agenda is to draw controversy. Increasing security is a component of discussions related to the design of a new county administration building.

"As a chair and county commissioner, if someone is feeling that their security is questioned -- they're not feeling secure in a work place -- I am going to listen, be pragmatic and address the issue," Shugars said.

In a statement to MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette, Sheriff Rick Fuller said he has been pushing for sheriff's deputies to be stationed inside the administration building during regular business hours and meetings. More security is needed generally, he said, not just for commissioners.

"In the past, the cost has been the most difficult for everyone to work out," Fuller said. "The new administration and I have worked on these costs and it is my desire to continue these efforts ... even if it was a cost sharing model with all the offices working out of (the building)."

Moore's request came to the surprise of the board, said Commissioner Julie Rogers. She feels the current level of security is sufficient.

"I think our board has arguments on several topics -- we have several contentious things to vote on -- but people have remained civil," Rogers said.

Since the 2016 election, Kalamazoo County residents have become more active in pushing agenda items at Board of Commissioners meetings. Sometimes tension has boiled over in packed meetings, but Moore said what started as comments from engaged citizens has become mean-spirited.

Shugars, Moore and Fuller each indicated that they have observed this as a growing national trend.

Moore filed an incident report with the Michigan State Police in May after she and a constituent argued about a resolution calling for the closure of the Enbridge Line 5 oil pipeline. The incident did not result in charges, but Moore told police she was worried the man would strike her with his cane.

During a public meeting, Moore said the exchange tempted her to reach for something in her purse at the front doors of the county Administration Building.

The comment, and her display of a concealed firearm license, was seen as a veiled reference to drawing a weapon. Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America called Moore's statements "unethical."

An additional sheriff's deputy was present before the Enbridge Line 5 vote on May 16 in order to maintain safety in the room.

Meetings have been less hostile since, but two Kalamazoo County residents in particular have made Moore feel uncomfortable. Moore said she also receives messages that threaten her personal safety on social media.

City resident Zachary Lassiter has been openly critical of Moore in public meetings and on social media. He also recorded the May exchange between Moore and a constituent, posting the video to Facebook.

Lassiter has called Moore's conduct into question for making comments he found disparaging to people with disabilities, her use of a handicapped parking space at a county building, and texting during meetings.

Lassiter also filed a complaint with the Secretary of State on Nov. 18 for alleged campaign finance violations. On Dec. 1, the state sent a letter to Moore and her campaign manager notifying them of an open investigation into the complaint, which alleges Moore did not place required disclaimers on campaign materials in the 2014 and 2016 elections, failed to file more than two statements required by law, and knowingly accepted an improper contribution from Friends of John Taylor, a committee for the former County chair.

Taylor signed a conciliatory agreement in the fall and agreed to recover the $794 from Moore and pay the same amount to the state.

Moore said she didn't intentionally break any rules, but intends to resolve the issues as soon as possible. She retained Miller Canfield to advise her in the matter, a move that bears financial toll, Moore said.

"We have two different issues," she said. "It's good that we have watchdogs. We want good governance and everyone above board. I don't have a problem with that. When you twist it up -- try to disparage me -- when you want reaction and excitement from the media, it's not healthy and not the best way to conduct business."

Lassiter declined to comment on Moore's allegations, but indicated that he would be seeking legal counsel.

Also, Moore said a retired veteran known for impassioned testimony at public meetings swore at her after the county decided to transfer its veterans services department two weeks ago.

"It's one thing for you to stand at a space created for you to say whatever you want to say," Moore said. "I don't want to stifle anyone's voice. It's another thing to walk up on me (and make threatening comments). That is not tolerable."

Moore said attacks on her have intensified since her support for Shugars clinched a vote to elect the Republican chair of the Board of Commissioners. Immediately following the vote, Moore was elected vice chair 6-5, with votes from GOP commissioners and herself.

Frustrated with a lack of solidarity among Democrats, Moore said made a deal with Republicans to support her for the chair seat in 2018. It's yet to be seen if the quid pro quo exchange will be honored.

Shugars said the board has had a productive year, and would like to see its leadership remain in place.

"I support Stephanie for chair," he said. "I would serve as vice chair if that's what the majority of commissioners would want."

Moore said her decision was about business, not politics. But local Democrats called it a backroom deal that betrayed their interests.