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Commission delays decision on $35,000 Cellebrite subscription; Oak Hill agrees to support training and storage
Summary
Fayette County staff reported a $35,000 annual subscription for Cellebrite digital-forensics software is due for renewal in March. Oak Hill Police Department offered training, facilities and hardware; Nicholas County indicated a possible $5,000 contribution after July 1. Commissioners moved to delay renewal decisions until the April meeting while
Fayette County commissioners on March 19 agreed to delay a decision about renewing a Cellebrite digital-forensics subscription that staff said costs about $35,000 annually.
County staff reported that Oak Hill Police Department has offered training, facilities and hardware to host the software and a crime-scene investigator who could be credentialed to use the system; Nicholas County indicated it may contribute $5,000 but only after its new fiscal year begins July 1. Staff said Cellebrite requires an annual, all-or-nothing payment and will not accept a monthly plan.
Anthony (county counsel/administrator) told the commission the renewal date historically fell in March, which made budgeting difficult because budgets are prepared earlier. He said one practical option is to seek a short extension or a 15-month contract that would shift the renewal date to July 1 so the subscription aligns with the county fiscal year and can be included in next year's budget. He also said the Oak Hill Police Department had pledged training, courtroom testimony if needed and storage and hardware for phones if the county hosts the software.
Staff said the task force supporting regional investigations relies on federal and local funding and that additional local commitments would be needed if other agencies do not contribute. On a motion and second, commissioners voted to postpone final action until the first meeting in April so staff could attempt to negotiate a contract extension or present options that align renewal with the fiscal year. The motion passed on a voice vote.
Staff said they would also ask Cellebrite for a 15-month contract or a quote that would bridge to July 1 and would give the commission options when it reconvenes in April.
