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Commissioners approve Metcon bid and multiple technology purchases for Rice & Steele 9‑1‑1 relocation
Summary
The board approved construction and technology contracts to relocate the Rice & Steele 9‑1‑1 center, including acceptance of Metcon's construction bid with alternates, dispatch consoles from Zybex, a Motorola cloud phone system, and related flooring and furniture purchases.
Rice County commissioners approved several construction and technology purchases on Oct. 14 to support the planned relocation and remodel of the Rice & Steele 9‑1‑1 center.
Wold Architects reported a low base bid of $978,000 from Metcon Companies for the construction package. With four recommended alternates — switch‑gear and grounding electrical upgrades, security film for office glazing, and a humidification system for the dispatch floor — the recommended contract total is $1,089,000. Commissioners voted to accept the Metcon bid and the recommended alternates.
On technology, the joint‑powers board recommended several purchases. The board approved Zybex dispatch consoles for eight workstations after reviewing bids from vendors on state contract; staff noted Zybex’s consoles were used locally and were the lower‑cost option by roughly $15,000 compared with a Russ Bassett quote.
For call processing and phones, staff recommended a Motorola software‑as‑a‑service (SaaS) phone system rather than an on‑premise replacement. Staff said the Motorola SaaS option offered built‑in backup and regional failover options, reducing the need for a separate local backup site. The board approved the Motorola SaaS phone solution.
On radio consoles, staff recommended re‑using existing Motorola consoles where feasible and acquiring additional used/new consoles to outfit eight positions. Commissioners discussed a statewide Motorola product life‑cycle issue (vendors have signaled an end‑of‑life for some products around 2030) and approved the plan to retain and supplement existing consoles rather than buying a full new console replacement now.
The board also approved a $64,007.50 flooring quote (static‑dissipative flooring for the call floor and associated areas) and a $29,432.19 furniture purchase from Schmidt Goodwin (to be paid from the deferred‑maintenance fund).
Votes: All motions were approved by voice vote with no recorded dissents in the meeting transcript.
Why it matters: The approvals set contract authority and funding commitments for a multi‑year relocation and technology upgrade that will affect emergency dispatch operations across Rice and Steele counties. Staff noted near‑term choices may require future equipment replacement depending on statewide vendor agreements.
Sources: Presentations and staff white papers to the Rice County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 14, 2025; Wold Architects bid tab; Rice & Steele 9‑1‑1 staff.
