Commissioners pick lower‑cost monitored security‑style fire detection for Walker County senior center

Walker County commissioners on May 5 approved installing a monitored security‑style fire detection system at the Walker County senior center, selecting the lower‑cost proposal from Resource Security Incorporated.

County staff presented two bids. The lower bid described a monitored security system with smoke detectors, sirens and central monitoring; staff said it did not require permitting or CAD building drawings but would require a floor‑plan to determine detector placement. That proposal’s listed price in the county packet was $3,700 and county staff said the monitoring fee would be $28 per month (or a discount if paid annually). A second bid for a full fire‑alarm system was quoted at about $12,400 but did not include the CAD drawings and permitting required for installation; staff estimated CAD design could add another $5,000–$6,000, making that option materially more expensive.

Staff noted a county representative had spoken with a contact who said the monitored-security option would meet the county’s needs and that the senior center’s program lead supported the lower‑cost option. Commissioners discussed which parts of the building would be covered and whether shared offices (veterans, probation, other county offices) should be included; staff said the selected system would notify the county and be monitored after inspection.

The court voted to accept the lower bid from Resource Security Incorporated and proceed with installation; monitoring and any recurring monitoring charges will be budgeted separately.