Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Administration Operations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County committee reports: Rapid Radio pilot, timesheet software options, shelter updates and drainage assessments
Summary
During committee reports the board heard that public safety is trialing satellite-backed radios, staff discussed a commercial timesheet product and costs, the animal shelter reported intake numbers and no-kill goals, and drainage levy notices were sent.
Board members used the committee‑reports portion of the meeting to summarize recent committee activity and operational updates rather than take formal policy action.
Public safety: A board member reported that a company offering a satellite‑cellular backed radio system (described in the meeting as “Rapid Radio”) has offered five units to the county on a trial basis. The devices are described as cellular with satellite backup (operable where users can see the sky) and with battery life reported at about five days. Meeting discussion contrasted the devices to the county’s current Motorola system and noted contract terms with Motorola still have several years remaining; the county described the new devices as cheaper but raised durability concerns compared with more rugged, higher‑cost public‑safety radios.
Timesheet software: Staff and board members reviewed options for standardizing payroll/timekeeping. Two products were discussed: a field‑oriented product that integrates into existing systems and a product identified as RTvision (desktop login required). One cost estimate mentioned a roughly $6,000 startup fee plus an annual cost “a little under $10,000.” Board members said the county currently uses several different payroll/timekeeping methods across departments and that consolidating to fewer systems could save staff time; however, they also noted that some field crews lack devices and that supervisors would need to ensure entries are made for employees who do not log in directly.
Animal shelter and economic development: Committee commenters said the animal shelter is pursuing a no‑kill goal for 2024, reported recent intake and outcome numbers (examples in discussion: cats and dogs counts were read but not formalized in minutes), and noted local fundraisers and volunteer activities. Separately, economic development committee members said they reviewed building finishes (carpet samples) and local events.
Drainage and assessments: County staff reported that drainage levy assessment notices were sent on Friday; the meeting recorded guidance that the county should expect phone calls from landowners and that only a small number of drainages were assessed this year. Commissioners noted the county may receive calls about holes and shoulder failures after heavy rain and asked residents to report issues to the county office so crews can respond.
No formal votes were recorded during these committee reports; the items were informational and staff were directed to follow up on procurement, pilot testing and scheduling as described.
