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Pitkin County briefed on new regional dispatch center; staff to request ~$400,000 supplemental for equipment and specialty systems
Summary
County project managers updated commissioners on the new multi‑agency Station 42 dispatch center, reported an $8.5 million phase‑1/2 construction budget with $3.2 million spent to date and said a phase‑3 supplemental (about $400,000) will be brought to the board to fund server room, access control, grounding/lightning protection and furniture.
Pitkin County project staff on May 12 presented a construction update for a new regional 9‑1‑1 dispatch center and told the Board of County Commissioners they will request a supplemental budget in the second quarter to cover phase‑3 equipment and specialty systems.
What was presented: Project manager Jeff Krueger and dispatch leadership reviewed the facility’s history and design choices, the decision to place the main dispatch center on the second floor of an expanded Roaring Fork Fire Station 42 addition, and the plan to operate a distributed model with satellite backup sites (Basalt South Side, an up‑valley satellite and others). The project team said phases 1 and 2 (building shell and tenant improvements) carry a combined budget of $8.5 million; about $3.2 million has been spent and approximately $5.2 million remains under contract.
Supplemental request and use of funds: Project staff said they expect to present a supplemental request (preliminary estimate: $400,000) at a June board meeting to pay for specialized items not included in the phase‑1/2 capital request. The list includes an access‑control integration with county systems, grounding and lightning protection specialists, commissioning services, server‑room build‑out, and furniture/consoles and monitors. Staff said one cost‑saving measure is to use in‑house telecom and dispatch staff to build the server room rather than buy the full external bid.
Design and resiliency features: The presentation emphasized technical redundancy (UPS to back the server room and operations floor, redundant communications pathways including fiber and microwave, a 250 kW generator, and specialized fire suppression), and human‑factor planning for operator health (northern‑facing windows, CO2‑monitored HVAC, blackout shading, sound‑absorbing finishes, personalized consoles and a decompression lounge).
Board concerns and next steps: Commissioners pressed for detail on funding allocations and cost‑sharing; staff said the general fund would cover the supplemental and participating agencies would reimburse via the consortium COP/cost‑share model. A commissioner said it was concerning that the phase‑3 request was not included in the original capital ask and asked staff to break down which entities will ultimately absorb costs. Staff committed to return with a detailed supplemental request and a clear funding allocation when the item appears on the June 9 agenda.
Timing: Project leads said phase‑3 equipment installation and move‑in are targeted for summer with full occupation and equipment integration by year end; the lease on the current dispatch facility expires at the end of February 2027, creating a firm deadline for commissioning and move.
