Feb 11, 2016 2 min read

WAYNESBURG – The Greene County sheriff is extending office hours a day each month for people interested in obtaining a concealed handgun permit following a surge in applications last year.

Sheriff Brian Tennant said the new times will allow people working during the Greene County Courthouse’s normal business hours to come later in the day to apply for a permit.

The office, which typically processes applications until 3:30 p.m. each day, will now be open until 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month for the remainder of the year.

Tennant said he’s heard from many county residents who have taken vacation time to come into the office.

“It just ends up being difficult for the normal person to make it to the office before we close,” Tennant said. “It’s a concern that’s been brought up to me and it was an idea to make it more readily available for the average person who works during the days.”

The office experienced a surge in concealed carry permits last year.

The sheriff’s office processed 1,338 concealed carry permits in 2015, a 35 percent increase over the previous year. There were 317 licenses processed in December alone, which represented nearly 24 percent of all permits approved during the year. There were 155 licenses approved in January.

Tennant said the increase was another reason to expand hours. The $20 processing fee will bring in more revenue, he said.

“With more people coming in, spreading it out over more hours will be beneficial to process the permits and it will bring in more revenue.”

The sheriff also announced other initiatives in an attempt to “streamline” the process.

Applications will be available on the department’s website so they can be printed and completed in advance. Tennant said applications will still be available at the sheriff’s office on the first floor of the courthouse.

Anyone entering the courthouse after normal business hours must go through security at the basement entrance along Church Street.

Tennant said dates and times could change, so anyone interested in going to the office after normal business hours can call the department at 724-627-7207 or visit the sheriff’s page on the Greene County’s government website at www.co.greene.pa.us.