City Council approves $211K upgrade for auditorium audio video system

The Town Council of Prescott Valley convened on March 13, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, primarily focusing on the upgrade of the Auditorium Audio-Video System. The meeting highlighted the importance of investing in high-quality technology that would serve not only council meetings but also community events.

The discussion began with a presentation by Casey, who emphasized the need for a commercial-grade audio-visual system that would be durable and versatile. Council members expressed appreciation for the thorough research conducted by Casey, noting that the selected equipment would benefit various community groups, including local churches. The council acknowledged the limited options available for such specialized technology, indicating that only a few vendors could meet the required standards.

Further discussions included the importance of warranties and service agreements, ensuring that the chosen vendor, Level 3 Audio Visual, would provide ongoing support for the system. Casey confirmed that the installation would occur in phases, starting with audio enhancements, followed by visual upgrades later in the fiscal year to minimize disruption during council meetings.

A notable point raised during the meeting was the potential impact of tariffs on equipment costs. Council member Cheryl Lemasters suggested that purchasing American-made products could mitigate some tariff-related expenses. However, the specifics of how tariffs would affect the current project were not fully addressed.

The meeting concluded with a motion to approve the agreement with Level 3 Audio Visual for a total cost of $211,649.97, funded through the fiscal year 2024-25 non-departmental contingency budget. The motion was put to a vote, resulting in a majority approval, despite one dissenting vote from Council member Williams.

Overall, the council's decision marks a significant step towards enhancing the town's audio-visual capabilities, reflecting a commitment to improving community engagement through better technology. The phased approach to implementation aims to ensure a smooth transition without interrupting council activities.