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Dunn County approves $162,025 siren system upgrade and cloud control for emergency alerts
Summary
The Board authorized a countywide siren upgrade, including new sirens at Little Mo Campground and New Radic and a cloud‑based control system. The first‑year cost is $162,025 with an annual recurring application fee of $8,025; the board authorized the contract and annual maintenance agreement.
The Dunn County Board of Commissioners approved a county‑wide upgrade of emergency sirens and a cloud‑based control and monitoring system at a first‑year cost of $162,025 and an ongoing annual application/maintenance fee of $8,025.
County emergency management staff presented a proposal to standardize and upgrade existing sirens so they share common electrical drops and battery backup, and to add new sirens at Little Mo Campground and New Radic. The recommended system uses a cloud‑based app to allow authorized users to trigger and test sirens remotely; staff said up to 10 users can be granted access. The board discussed current limitations—some existing sirens are older and cannot be upgraded, and VHF radio towers currently used to trigger sirens may be phased out as agencies move to 800 MHz systems.
The proposal presented included hardware and installation ($126,110 reported across upgrade and installation lines in staff materials) and a software/app and tower connection cost ($27,890 in staff materials). Annual recurring maintenance and application fees were presented as $8,025 per year.
Commissioner Heizer moved and Commissioner Olsen seconded approval of the siren upgrade contract and the associated recurring maintenance agreement; the motion passed unanimously on roll call.
During discussion, commissioners asked about coverage areas, recommended siren locations, and how local fire or law enforcement units would be given access to the app. Staff said the New Radic siren site was proposed near Washington Avenue for best coverage and confirmed Killdeer law enforcement and regional fire departments could be granted app access. The emergency manager said she would confirm warranty periods and options for satellite or alternate communications at sites with poor cellular coverage before final invoicing.
The board directed staff to proceed with the contract; staff will finalize technical details and return any remaining procurement paperwork to the board as required by county purchasing rules.
