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County approves new fire reporting software after 911 advisory discussion; one‑time and annual fees prompt funding plan
Summary
Scotts Bluff County commissioners approved replacing end‑of‑life fire-reporting software; vendor pricing includes a $98,100 one‑time implementation fee and $44,650 annual subscription. The purchase will be funded from the 29.10 emergency/911 capital fund; commissioners noted the advisory board lacked a quorum but said members had given consensus approval outside the meeting.
Scotts Bluff County approved a request to purchase a new records and reporting system for local fire departments after staff and chiefs explained the incumbent vendor (ESO) is being retired.
Tyler and fire chiefs explained the software collects CAD data, run times and reporting required by the U.S. Fire Administration. Staff said the new vendor’s price is materially higher than the prior contract: a one‑time implementation charge of $98,100 and annual subscription fees of $44,650. The 29.10 interlocal fund (funded by 911 assessments) historically pays such shared emergency‑services capital needs. The 911 advisory board had discussed the change and members said they supported the purchase but could not take a formal vote because the advisory board did not reach quorum at its meeting; members contacted outside the meeting verbally agreed to proceed.
Commissioners asked whether the advisory board bylaws require prior committee approval; staff said the interlocal agreement requires a quorum and an affirmative vote for committee action but does not prohibit bringing the item to the county commissioners when a quorum is missing. Commissioners debated timing and confirmed the plan to charge participating jurisdictions according to the established population matrix and to coordinate budget adjustments during the next budget cycle.
One member of the public and several fire district representatives spoke in favor of approving a system replacement quickly because the current reporting product will not meet U.S. Fire Administration requirements and will be unsupported after January 1, 2026. The board moved and seconded approval of the 29.10 fund purchase; the clerk recorded five yes votes and the motion carried.
