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Council approves $104,626 capital purchase to address communications center audit findings
Summary
Following a March 13 audit of Newton's communications center, the council authorized purchase and installation of a battery backup system and wiring to address identified deficiencies, allocating $30,000 from the Emergency Telephone Fund.
Finance Director Kim Robinson told council the North Carolina 911 Board and Mission Critical Partners, LLC conducted an audit of the City’s communications center on March 13, 2024 and identified deficiencies in operations and management under state PSAP rules. Robinson said the city requested approval to purchase a stored emergency power supply (battery backup) system with installation estimated at $63,915, electrical wiring materials and labor estimated at $31,200, and a 10% contingency, producing a total estimated cost of $104,626.
Robinson said the Emergency Telephone Fund has an available balance of $30,000 that can be used toward the battery backup system; council approved recognizing that $30,000 and amending the budget to complete the purchase. Council Member Jon McClure asked whether the city had considered having Catawba County handle communications for Newton; City Manager Sean Hovis said options had been explored but staff recommended addressing the audit findings through the equipment purchase.
Council adopted the budget ordinance amendment for the capital purchase by unanimous vote. Staff were directed to proceed with procurement and installation to address the audit findings and improve the communications center’s compliance with state standards.
