Emergency management seeks $100,000 for EOC upgrades from unencumbered reserve

The county's emergency management team asked the board to approve reallocating $100,000 from its unencumbered reserve to upgrade the emergency operations center's audiovisual systems and replace end-of-life displays and smart boards. Scott described the EOC as heavily used for emergency response and training and said current displays are "in excess of 15 years" old; the estimated IT replacement was roughly $90,000 plus 10% contingency and a small furniture/supplies allowance.

Staff and finance noted the unencumbered reserve belongs to the interlocal partners (county and cities) and that advisory-board approval would normally be required for significant changes. Commissioners said they were comfortable with planning for an appropriation through the normal budget amendment process and directed staff to coordinate with the advisory board and return with a formal budget amendment for the board's consideration.