Savannah Clint, Public Services, asked the Board of Commissioners to approve buying a MobiTherm trailer‑mounted thermal‑imaging detection system for the county landfill as a complement to existing Pano detection.

Clint said the county is pursuing two approaches to landfill fire detection and presented two quotes: a $79,000 package that includes upgraded cameras with AI features to reduce false alerts, and a $74,400 standard option. "So we're gonna go ahead and ask for the 79,000 price, which includes upgraded cameras," Clint said. She described the system as trailer‑mounted so it can be moved to the active fill, and noted it would provide on‑site alerts to staff and fire departments. Clint also identified ongoing costs: an annual subscription (in the transcript quoted as $2,400) and a potential mobile data/Starlink cost discussed as an additional annual expense.

County staff told commissioners the purchase would be capitalized to solid‑waste maintenance capital and that the board could authorize the purchase now with the actual appropriation handled through an upcoming budget amendment. One participant observed there should be capacity in the fund to cover the purchase until the budget amendment is processed; commissioners indicated informal approval to proceed and asked staff to provide the electronic quote and clarifying information about ongoing cellular and maintenance costs.

Staff emphasized the safety rationale: early detection reduces response time and helps protect equipment and cover material; Clint noted a recent tarp loss of about $110,000 and argued the system could pay for itself if it prevents a similar fire. The board asked staff to return the electronic quote and to include the item in the first budget amendment for formal appropriation.