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Cook County approves $96,350 IT replacement and amends MnDOT/AT&T tower lease
Summary
The board approved $96,350 in MIS capital spending for staff laptops, mobile data computers and network equipment, and approved an amendment to the county’s ground lease with MnDOT reflecting AT&T equipment additions that will raise annual revenue about 20%.
Cook County commissioners approved two infrastructure items in the Jan. 13 meeting: a $96,350 MIS capital spend to refresh laptops and network equipment, and an amendment to the county’s MnDOT ground lease tied to AT&T adding equipment to a communications tower.
Rowan (MIS) requested authority to spend $96,350 in budgeted capital funds to replace 35 standard laptops, three rugged mobile data computers for deputies, a large‑format printer, three network switches and 30 uninterruptible power supplies. Commissioner Gamble moved to approve the request, which passed unanimously.
Separately, staff described a negotiated amendment to the county’s long‑standing lease with MnDOT to reflect additional AT&T equipment on a county tower. County negotiators said the modification triggers a structural inspection and increases the county’s revenue share, moving an approximate prior payment of about $30,000 per year to roughly $36,000 annually (a roughly 20% increase). The lease amendment extends standard cellular term elements and includes a 3.5% annual increase provision; the board approved the amendment unanimously.
Next steps: MIS will proceed with the purchases under county policy and procurement rules; administration will finalize the amended ground lease and deposit increased revenue into the county’s tower capital fund for future replacement of county‑owned tower infrastructure.
