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County council tables $207,591 central-communications equipment request pending additional quotes
Summary
DeKalb County Council delayed a $207,591 combined purchase for battery backup and HVAC replacements for central communications after members asked staff to obtain additional quotes and follow procurement rules; the item was tabled to the next meeting for three‑quote documentation and potential RFP steps.
DeKalb County Council on July 1 tabled a request to transfer $207,591 for central-communications equipment, saying staff must collect additional written quotes and preserve a clear procurement record before the council acts.
The central communications director told the council the $121,784 request covers replacement battery backup systems that are at the end of manufacturer life and no longer maintainable, and an $85,807 request would replace complete HVAC units that are aging out. The vendor quotes presented were from Centimeters Buck/Schneider Electric (UPS) and Auburn Heating and Cooling (HVAC). The director said those systems are critical — the UPS supports radio systems and computer systems that keep public safety operations running until generators start.
Councilors and staff pressed for updated competitive documentation. Under county rules, purchases between $50,000 and $150,000 must be solicited with multiple written quotes and kept on file; several members requested three current quotes so the county can justify vendor selection and, if appropriate, proceed with sealed bids or an RFP. One member urged immediate replacement of any component that threatens radios or the generator‑startup window, but said the procurement trail still needed to be complete.
With those concerns unresolved, the council voted to table the transfer and asked staff to obtain the required three written quotes (or to pursue a formal solicitation where appropriate) and bring the item back at the next meeting. The motion to table passed without recorded opposition.
What happens next: County staff said they will obtain three quotes for each project, confirm warranty and maintenance options, and return the procurement request at the next council meeting with documentation for the council’s review.
