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Commissioners approve 9-1-1 IT support, sheriff facility studies and vehicle purchases; EMA reports repeated alert failures
Summary
The Board approved a two-year TekRx contract to support 9-1-1 IT systems, contracted Garmann Miller for sheriff facility feasibility and renovation work, approved purchase of patrol vehicles and jail equipment, and heard EMA officials report nine alert-system failures since April and intent to seek a new vendor.
Huron County commissioners on Oct. 28 approved multiple public-safety contracts and purchases while Emergency Management Agency officials reported repeated failures of the county alert system and signaled plans to change vendors.
The Board approved a two-year IT support contract with TekRx LLC for the county 9-1-1 IT system, effective Jan. 1, 2026 through Dec. 31, 2027, at $2,225 per month. Commissioner James R. Morgan told the Board he had discussed the contract with a Mr. Reidy, who "was on board." The motion passed unanimously.
The Board also approved proposals from Garmann Miller & Associates: a Phase 1 feasibility study for a four-bay evidence storage garage at a lump-sum cost of $10,000, and design/implementation services to convert the jail visitation area into three offices at a quoted fee of $35,000. Deputy Dave Ditz told commissioners the visitation renovation will be prioritized because weather prevents other exterior work.
On equipment and fleet needs, the Board approved a $55,578 purchase of a Hobart electric dishwasher for jail food service, which Deputy Ditz said replaces a unit in service about 30 years. The Board authorized ordering one 2025 Ford Utility Interceptor, one 2024 Ford Utility Interceptor and two 2024 Ford F-150 Responders from Statewide Ford for a total of $260,976; Deputy Ditz said the vehicles are on the lot and noted a discount of at least $3,000 on one unit.
During a briefing, EMA officials Art Mead and Kye Stevens said the county's current alert system had "let them down multiple times" over roughly the past 18 months and that since April there have been nine recorded failures ranging from incorrect alerts to delays in reporting. Mead said EMA will send a letter to the current contractor stating they will not renew, and asked the Board to consider financial support if the county shifts vendors. Commissioner Brady asked EMA to meet with the committee to narrow vendor choices and return for an open discussion; Brady said "it's not about the money when it comes to safety." The Board took no immediate procurement action beyond approving related contracts and purchases during the meeting.
All motions passed on recorded roll-call votes.
