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Monticello adds $26,400 for shared dispatch system after council discussion
Summary
The Monticello City Council voted May 26 to amend the 2026 appropriation ordinance to add $26,400 toward a five-year Central Square contract for computer-aided dispatch and report management software shared with Pike County; police and staff said needed modules will be retained despite a lower price than earlier quotes.
The Monticello City Council on May 26 adopted Ordinance 2026-35 to add $26,400 to the city's fiscal year 2026 appropriation ordinance to cover the city's portion of a five-year contract with Central Square for computer-aided dispatch and report management software.
City administrator Terry Summers told the council the appropriation amendment is needed because Pike County is replacing its dispatch system and the city shares that system with the county. "This ordinance adds $26,400 for an updated dispatch system," Summers said, and staff noted there will be an annual software charge in future budgets.
Police Chief Bros described prior vendor quotes and negotiations: an initial county quote exceeded $101,000; a later five-year quote was about $78,000; after direct negotiation with Central Square, Chief Bros said the five-year price for the city now is "roughly $65,000 and change," with the first-year cost reflected in this amendment. Council members asked whether essential modules would be lost with the lower price; the chief responded that the city would retain required modules for report management and dispatch tickets and that county-only modules (for jail records, for example) were not necessary for the city.
City staff said the change increases the total appropriation from $18,221,840 to $18,248,240. After discussion and questions, the council moved, seconded and approved the ordinance by roll call vote.
Next steps: city staff and the county will finalize contract paperwork and the city will include the ongoing annual software charge in subsequent budgets.
