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Commission hears proposal to upgrade boardroom audio-visual system; asks for additional bids
Summary
A Dakota Sound proposal outlined a new camera, microphones, dual screens and streaming capability. Commissioners asked for competitive bids and to consider funding in next year's budget.
Jim Albers (staff member) presented a proposal from Dakota Sound for upgrading the county boardroom's audio-visual and recording equipment, including new wall-mounted screens, a camera, wireless microphones and a software platform to manage live streaming.
Albers told commissioners the quote included two large screens (one on either wall), a new camera and wireless microphone pickups, and that the system could be configured for live streaming. He also noted the proposal did not include a dedicated computer to run the system; staff discussed obtaining a county-dedicated laptop rather than relying on a personal device brought from home.
Commissioners questioned the price and asked staff to solicit competitive bids. One commissioner said the proposal's listed price felt high and recommended seeking at least one other vendor for comparison; several vendors were suggested, including local and regional audio/video firms. Commissioners also discussed the proposal's 30-day validity window and agreed they could request updated bids closer to budgeting time if the award moved into the next fiscal year. The board indicated a preference to treat the estimate as a budgetary number and to pursue additional proposals before committing funds.
No final procurement decision was made during the meeting. Commissioners asked staff to gather additional bids, clarify the exact equipment and software included in any proposal, and bring updated, itemized estimates to a future meeting so the board could decide whether to fund the work in the 2026 budget cycle or sooner.
