Hutchinson County tables ARP-funded panic-button security system after procurement questions

Commissioners heard a demonstration of a radio-based panic-button system proposed for Adult and Juvenile Probation offices, then voted to table the ARP funding request amid procurement questions.

Jennifer Roden and Jeremy Sharp, representing Adult and Juvenile Probation, asked the court to consider using ARP funds to add immediate-alert panic buttons inside annex offices to improve staff safety. "We're having very hard and difficult conversations" with clients, Roden said, arguing that additional protections for officers and staff were needed.

Ralph Price, a sales representative for Secure Tex Systems, demonstrated the vendor's BL+ system and described it as "the only direct response communication with law enforcement through a two-way radio system which bypasses 911." Price said the county could receive the system through grant funds and cited an upfront figure of about $14,000, plus an optional two‑year warranty extension for $950.

Commissioners pressed on procurement details, including whether the system was being proposed as a sole‑source purchase. One commissioner asked whether the county could procure radios and components separately; Price said Secure Tex is the vendor for that particular radio-integrated product and described the company as a long-standing supplier to local governments.

After discussion, a commissioner moved and the court voted to table the ARP security request for a later date so staff could pursue procurement review and gather additional information.

The court did not take further ARP action at that time. The county noted the option to move into executive session for sensitive security deliberations if needed.