County staff push for hosted phone system; commissioners asked to authorize implementation

IT staff presented a hosted, vendor-managed phone solution to replace the existing 14–16 year-old phone system. The quote included an upfront implementation cost and a yearly total of roughly $129,390 (a monthly subtotal shown in materials), with staff estimating ongoing savings compared with the county's current annual phone-and-maintenance cost. Staff explained an additional integration cost would be required to bring non-emergency admin 911 lines into the new system.

IT asked the commission to authorize the implementation and, if necessary, approve a budget amendment to cover one-time setup costs so the project can be scheduled quickly. The work session discussion closed with staff direction to place the item on Tuesday’s agenda for a formal motion and action so 911 integration and transition planning can proceed.