County staff report need to replace dispatch UPS batteries and hire GIS consultant; no vote taken

County staff reported two technology-related needs at the meeting: the replacement of uninterruptible power supply (UPS) batteries that support dispatch electronics and hiring a consultant to assist with critical GIS upgrades.

Staff said the dispatch UPS batteries need replacement and estimated the cost at roughly $33,000; the dispatch director has funds in the dispatch budget to pay for the purchase, but staff noted the expense had not been previously budgeted. Commissioners were informed that the purchases would be routed through the appropriate procurement and budget processes.

Staff also said the county's GIS system requires a series of critical upgrades and that a consultant (identified in the packet as CloudPoint/iCloud point) was recommended to avoid configuration errors. Those funds are in the GIS budget, but the need for a consultant was not included when the budget was prepared.

No vote was taken on either purchase during the meeting; the county indicated that the items would be finalized with the relevant department heads and legal review and brought forward for formal approval or administrative purchase in accordance with county procedures.