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Commission approves $366,623 emergency purchase for Election Commission’s low-voltage IT work
Summary
Shelby County approved an emergency purchase order with AccessDNSI Inc. for up to $366,623.26 to complete low-voltage and IT construction supporting election readiness at the Election Commission operations center; commissioners questioned whether the work constituted an unforeseeable emergency and were told it is part of a previously appropriated $800,000 package and was time-sensitive to meet election schedules.
The commission approved an emergency contract and purchase order with AccessDNSI Inc. not to exceed $366,623.26 to finish low-voltage and IT construction that county staff said is necessary to support election readiness at the Shelby County Election Commission operations center (980 Nixon). The procurement was presented as an emergency purchase order tied to election-readiness deadlines.
Commissioner Erica Sugarman questioned why a previously-identified component of a multiyear renovation became an "emergency." Anthony Wright, representing Shelby County Engineering, said the $366,623 is part of an earlier $800,000 appropriation for FFE and IT upgrades; timing pressures tied to being election-ready by April 15 required the contractor with the largest remaining scope to finish outstanding low-voltage work. Wright said there was no duplication of services and no routine upcharge for the "emergency" work unless premium overtime had been requested.
Why it matters: The expenditure supports infrastructure directly tied to election operations; commissioners pressed for transparency on scope, prior funding, and whether the emergency designation was appropriate. The recorded vote showed the motion passed (11 ayes).
