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County approves Viper tower work and upgrades 911 recording system to modernize public-safety communications
Summary
The board approved two tower-related contracts and a 911 audio/video recording-system upgrade, and authorized related purchases as part of a Viper radio-network expansion in the Randleman area; the board also approved IT classification updates affecting county technology staff.
Randolph County commissioners approved multiple items intended to strengthen public-safety communications and internal IT alignment, including modifications to an existing Viper tower, antenna installation at a new Randleman tower site, and an upgrade to the county’s 911 audio/video recording system.
Viper tower work: County staff requested two contract awards tied to the Viper radio expansion. The board awarded a contract for structural modifications at the Mount Shepherd tower to Bilt (Bilt Consulting) in the amount of $185,845 to ensure the existing tower can carry additional equipment. The board also approved a state-contract purchase and installation of antennas and coaxial runs at the new Randleman tower site to Engineered Tower Solutions for $128,077.92. Staff said those funds are budgeted within the county’s Viper project account and that after construction the system will be turned over to the state for ongoing maintenance after the ARPA period ends in 2027.
911 recording-system upgrade: Commissioners approved replacing and upgrading the county’s 911 audio-video recording system used to log phone trunks, radio channels and dispatcher screens. The total project cost was presented as $252,130; staff said most of that cost will be paid from the emergency services telephone fund, with approximately $14,570 requiring other funding.
IT classification changes: The board approved updates to seven job classifications in the county IT department intended to modernize titles, clarify succession planning and align responsibilities; staff said only one change involves moving a position into a different pay classification and that lapsed salary would cover that adjustment.
Why it matters: The tower work and 911-system upgrade support emergency communications reliability and compliance with recordkeeping requirements; IT classification updates are intended to stabilize recruitment and succession in a rapidly changing technical environment.
Votes: The tower contracts, 911 system upgrade and IT classification changes were approved by voice votes as presented.
