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Grant County staff working to restore dispatch admin lines after AT&T migration; commissioners approve contract extension pending cost details
Summary
IT staff reported a phone-system migration with AT&T that resulted in nonemergency dispatch administration numbers being disconnected; staff are forwarding lines temporarily and will seek restoration and potential compensation from AT&T. The board approved an AT&T service agreement extension with a requirement for staff to provide monthly cost details before final signature.
IT staff updated the Grant County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 18 about an ongoing issue after the county moved to a new AT&T phone system: several nonemergency/administration dispatch numbers were apparently included in a disconnect order and went out of service. Marcus said AT&T is working to restore the circuit, temporarily forwarding calls to an alternate number while technicians address the issue.
Why it matters: Nonemergency dispatch administration lines are important for county operations and public information; while 911 emergency lines remained unaffected, the outage has required staff to manage multiple forwarded lines and to use alternate contact points. Commissioners expressed frustration about the duration and asked staff to pursue compensation.
Board action: Marcus presented an amendment/extension to the AT&T ILEC Centrix service agreement to keep the county on the current payment plan. Commissioners asked for clearer cost presentation before final execution. Commissioner Rice moved to approve the contract amendment with a condition that the president review monthly expense details; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.
Follow-up: IT will provide a breakdown of monthly costs to commissioners and continue working with AT&T to restore the original circuit; staff said they would pursue compensation discussions with AT&T if warranted. Marcus also confirmed 911 emergency lines were never affected, and the temporary forwarded number was distributed to media partners shortly after the outage.
