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Commission tables phone-system purchase pending sheriff’s input on 911 compatibility
Summary
The County Commission postponed a decision on replacing the county phone system, citing unresolved questions about 911 compatibility and recording equipment integration; the sheriff’s office will be asked to provide technical details.
The County Commission on Aug. 20, 2025, tabled a decision on purchasing a new county phone system after commissioners said they had not yet received key technical information about 911 compatibility and whether the county’s recording equipment would work with internet-based phones.
Commissioners said they were awaiting input from Sheriff Bender, who had been on vacation and only recently returned. A commission member said the sheriff’s office needed to confirm how the system would handle emergency 911 calls and whether existing recorder equipment could interface with an Internet phone system.
Commission discussion included whether neighboring counties using the same system could provide guidance; commissioners said they had not yet been able to reach counterparts. Two county names — "Tool and Glacier" — were mentioned by a commissioner as jurisdictions that use the system, but the meeting did not provide additional details or confirmations about how those counties handle the sheriff’s office needs.
The commission did not take a final vote to approve a vendor. Instead, members agreed to table the item for further information and to allow staff time to consult with the sheriff and other counties about 911 and recording compatibility.
No firm timeline for the next step was set at the meeting.
