9-1-1 staff requested that the board support retaining consultant David (Dave) Costin to help with rollout and training for a new radio system. Staff described Costin as experienced and recommended keeping him on for six months at a cost of $25,000; several commissioners suggested asking the council for a larger appropriation (up to $50,000) to retain him for a year if necessary to complete training and handoff.

Commissioners discussed the timing of vendor equipment delivery and training; staff said the vendor anticipated equipment readiness and a two- to three-month installation window after equipment arrival. The board made a preliminary motion to keep Costin on for a minimum of six months, with the option to extend if needed; the motion passed by voice vote (recorded 3-0). Commissioners asked staff to prepare an additional-appropriation request to the county council for funding of the consultant as part of Monday’s council agenda.

The board also discussed related 9-1-1 technical issues separately: UPS maintenance, server-room cooling, and replacement of underpowered desktop machines used in critical dispatch positions. Staff will solicit contractor quotes and return with a recommendation at the next meeting.