The Gratiot County Board approved a capital project to replace aging courthouse security cameras, add two badge key-card readers and install an emergency-exit notification system aimed at improving building and jail security. County staff presenter Matt said the work will replace 14 older cameras, improve image quality and provide persistent alerts that show which emergency exit was opened.

Matt said the county solicited another vendor but that vendor declined to bid after touring the site, and that EPS (equipment/installation) and VC3 (IT systems) were recommended because they could meet the county’s 24/7 support needs, particularly for jail systems. He presented a project total of $63,120 for installation and equipment and an ongoing support fee of $411 per month.

Commissioners discussed the uses of the camera system beyond security — staff cited secondary uses such as locating county staff during court proceedings — and confirmed the cameras would not be used for facial-recognition analytics. On motion by Commissioner Steve, supported by George, the board approved the contract and the monthly service agreement by voice vote, with the motion carried.

County staff told the board the project follows long-standing courthouse security committee recommendations and is intended to bring video quality up to a level useful for identification and incident response. Implementation and vendor support are expected to follow procurement and contracting steps.