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County moves toward hosted phone system to replace aging lines; 911 integration cost noted
Summary
Staff recommended the county adopt a hosted phone system to replace an aging phone network, citing improved features, consolidated vendor support and a quoted one-time implementation cost (about $31,785) and an estimated annual cost of roughly $129,390 with potential net savings versus existing spend; integrating 911 admin lines carries an additional upfront cost.
County IT staff described chronic problems with the county's aging phone system and proposed a hosted phone solution to consolidate services, simplify support and integrate dispatch functions.
Staff presented vendor quotes that include a one-time implementation cost (training, porting numbers and on-site cutover) they identified as approximately $31,785, and an annual cost projection of about $129,390 compared with current recurring costs they listed at about $96,548.40. Staff said the change would likely yield net operational improvements and a modest annual savings in the aggregate of recurring line costs as vendor consolidation reduces maintenance complexity.
The presentation noted a separate one-time integration fee to connect 911 non-emergency/admin lines to the hosted platform (staff cited an additional integration cost of about $12,918.70). IT staff said they had tested vendor compatibility and that the recommended system met dispatch and reporting integration needs.
Commission direction: staff said they are ready to move forward and will place an implementation authorization on the commission's Tuesday agenda. Implementation timing would be scheduled to limit disruption to 911 dispatch and essential services.
"This is driven by complaints from elected officials and staff," one IT presenter said; commissioners asked staff to prepare language for a motion to authorize implementation.
