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Court approves Verizon account for elections, a night-vision grant and moves forward with elevator engineering RFSQ
Summary
Commissioners authorized switching election polling phones and Wi-Fi to a Verizon account under a DIR contract, approved a Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation grant application for night-vision equipment, and authorized an RFSQ for elevator engineering for Keyes Building modifications with an April 30 closing date.
At its March 25, 2025 meeting the Tom Green County Commissioners Court approved three operational items: implementation of a Verizon account for election cell phones and hotspots, a grant application to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation to purchase night-vision equipment for the sheriff's office, and issuance of an engineering RFSQ for elevator modifications at the Keyes Building.
Elections staff (Miss Vonna) told the court the department has used T-Mobile but is proposing to move to a Verizon sub-account under a DIR contract (referenced in the transcript as "t e l e dash CPSADash003"). The change aims to provide more reliable coverage for polling places and curbside voting and would let the county use an election-plan pricing model with lower costs when lines are dormant. The court authorized the auditor to submit required forms and the judge to sign documents needed to implement the account. The court was told Verizon coverage was confirmed for current polling locations.
The court also approved a grant application to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation to purchase night-vision equipment for the sheriff's office. The transcript includes two slightly different amounts: an initial figure of $12,250 and later a motion calling out $12,002.50. The grant was described as a reimbursement grant with no local match required; the court approved submission.
On facility maintenance, county staff reviewed requirements of the Government Code (transcript reference "22 69, government code 22 69") and recommended publicly soliciting engineering firms via a Request for Statements of Qualifications (RFSQ) to select an elevator engineer for Keyes Building modifications. The court directed staff to release the RFSQ with an April 30 closing date. Staff said the RFSQ route will help identify a specialty engineer and produce a vendor pool for future needs.
Each motion was seconded and approved by unanimous voice vote.
Votes at a glance
- Implement account with Verizon for election phones and hotspots (DIR contract): approved (unanimous) - Submit grant application to Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation for night-vision equipment (amounts stated as $12,250 and $12,002.50 in transcript): approved (unanimous) - Release RFSQ for elevator engineering for Keyes Building modifications (closing date April 30): approved (unanimous)
