Commissioners debate 9‑1‑1 dispatch relocation, approve moving forward with RFP to identify options

Trumbull County commissioners on Sept. 16 agreed to move forward with a competitive process to solicit proposals for leased or owned space for a consolidated 9‑1‑1 dispatch center, while several commissioners said they would prefer taking any major capital decision to voters.

Stacy McDonough, the county’s 9‑1‑1 director, told commissioners the agency has updated most equipment using ARPA funds and that its remaining needs are building renovations, specialized dispatch furniture and installation. McDonough offered cost estimates: she said dispatch consoles and specialized furniture can be about $20,000–$25,000 per position and estimated total relocation costs in a range “about a million, million-and-a-half” at the low-to-mid end depending on renovations. She also said prior spending on servers and computer equipment reduces what remains to be purchased.

Prosecutor’s office counsel Bill Danzo and county staff described the procurement vehicle the county will use: a procurement of lease space under Ohio law that is less formal than a full competitive construction bid but requires public notice and allows the county to evaluate proposals for best value rather than price alone. The RFP document to be used includes minimum mandatory requirements — for example, minimum usable square footage (6,000 square feet), preferred central location to limit fiber costs, and the requirement that a building either meet or be capable of being made to meet certain structural category-risk standards for emergency facilities.

Commissi…