Elko County 911 board backs nearly $1 million in console, server and master-clock upgrades

The Elko County Enhanced 911 Board voted June 5 to recommend funding for a package of upgrades to its dispatch infrastructure, including furniture, technical console systems and a master clock, with staff estimating the total at just under $1 million.

Chief Ty Trahan moved the recommendation, saying the package should include the software and physical stations; Chief Chris McCann seconded the motion. Board members discussed the timing of upgrades so the county would be ready for an anticipated regional transition to the new Nevada state radio system, now expected in 2026 rather than 2027. Chair Lee Cabness said money appears to be available in the fund but that the board would forward an updated recommendation to the County Commission.

Board discussion included vendor quotes presented by dispatch staff. Carrie, the center representative, said a furniture quote from Evans appeared to list two consoles at "$137,334.22" (installation and removal included) even though five consoles had been requested, and a Zetron quote for radio consoles totaled "$641,821.60." She said staff is waiting for Motorola and Tate quotes and has not received a response from Harris. The motion as read included $350,000 for physical consoles, $642,000 for technical console equipment, and the master-clock upgrade; Ty Trahan estimated a total just under $987,000.

After asking for public comment (none were offered) the chair called the vote and the motion carried with vocal assent by board members. Staff agreed to circulate vendor quotes and Matt Peterson said he would revise the master-plan project list to reflect the board’s recommendation.

Why it matters: County staff said console upgrades and a synchronized master clock are priorities because current timing discrepancies and aging equipment could complicate 911 operations and legal evidence handling. The board signaled a preference to prioritize the purchases ahead of the state radio migration and directed staff to prepare a formal recommendation for the County Commission.

What’s next: Staff will collect outstanding vendor quotes, finalize project-plan revisions and forward the board’s funding recommendation to the Elko County Commission for final approval. The board did not adopt a binding contract at the meeting; formal procurement and commission-level approvals remain required.