County moves forward on courthouse audio upgrade; committee discusses ARPA funds

The Iroquois County management committee approved a vendor quote for an audio/video upgrade to the courthouse and boardroom, including a package of microphones, and discussed using remaining ARPA funds to cover part of the cost.

That matters because improved audio and video equipment affects public transparency for meetings and court functions.

County maintenance and IT staff reported that upgrades are needed; maintenance supervisor Chris Drake and finance manager Joe Johnson discussed equipment options with the committee. The committee reviewed an updated vendor quote of $13,009.20 to include audio and video components and approved quote number 4515 from Area Wide Technologies for a system that includes 12 microphones. The approval was recorded in committee minutes with a roll call vote.

Committee members also noted that remaining ARPA funds would be applied to the microphone purchase and that the finance office would coordinate payment. Management asked staff to verify microphone counts and to include the item in the policy/procurement review before final installation. No change to meeting‑minutes practice or recording policy was recorded; the action focused on purchase authorization and budget source.

Committee minutes show staff will bring final procurement paperwork to the next meeting and that the vendor will coordinate installation once payment and scheduling are finalized.