Board approves new aerial imagery order and GIS server upgrade

Environmental services staff recommended the board void the county's current EagleView aerial imagery agreement and enter a new order that would provide countywide 6‑inch resolution imagery in a 2026 flight and again in 2029. Staff said EagleView upgraded camera systems and offered a contract structure that would require a slight increase for the 2026 flight but yield savings in the later 2029 flight compared with sticking with the existing agreement.

"They offered us an alternative, which would be to basically void the current contract, enter into a new one for the 2026 flight, and then the second flight in '29 that would be countywide resolution of 6 inch," the presenter said. Staff explained the imagery is used across county departments — for shoreline setback checks, assessor work, dispatch and sheriff's operations, and the public GIS viewer on the county website. Staff also described optional change‑detection products ("Change Finder") that would require an additional contract if the county wants automated comparisons between years.

The board voted to approve the amendment and enter the new order for flights in 2026 and 2029.

The same presenter asked the board to approve a version upgrade to the county GIS server and quoted a vendor (Pro West) estimate for the work. The board approved moving forward with the upgrade; staff said the work was anticipated in August and would be funded from the MIS budget.

Board members questioned whether higher resolution (6‑inch) imagery was necessary; staff and other commissioners said the long‑term pricing and broader countywide coverage justified the change and that oblique imagery access would aid several departments.

Both contract actions were approved by voice vote; commissioners present voiced 'Aye.'