Bannock County approves multi-year communications contract, delays man-lift rental decision pending review

Bannock County commissioners approved a multi-year contract to extend fiber service to the Event Exhibit Building and deferred a final decision on a separate man-lift rental contract pending further review of indemnification terms.

Dan Kendall, facilities director, presented two contracts. He said one agreement would extend fiber to the Event Exhibit Building on a 60-month term; Kendall said the county previously paid roughly $12,000 to bring service to the building and that the new contract would allow security cameras and key-fob access to integrate with courthouse systems. Kendall advised commissioners there were limited alternatives to obtain the required connectivity.

Commissioners raised concerns about payment terms and asked staff to confirm the final contract language (including payment method and an updated copy). A commissioner moved to approve the direct communications contract for the facility; the motion carried on a voice vote.

Kendall’s second item proposed renting a man lift for construction. Commissioners and staff discussed the rental terms and indemnification language. One commissioner reported receiving an email from a staff member named John who advised against signing the current form, citing indemnification clauses that could hold the county responsible for injury or equipment failure and place loading/unloading/hauling responsibilities on the county. Kendall said the proposed vendor had newer equipment and good service but agreed to review alternative contracts.

Rather than approving the man-lift rental that day, commissioners directed staff to compare contracts from other vendors and return with a recommendation. The record does not show a formal vote to approve the man-lift rental.