Lehigh County seeks 9‑1‑1 generator replacement using restricted 9‑1‑1 reserves

Director Elliott told commissioners the existing emergency generators for the 9‑1‑1 center are in a corroded subterranean vault and cannot be replaced on a "plug and play" basis. After reconfiguring work with contractors, staff recommended replacing the single unit with two smaller units at a different location on the complex. Elliott said cost increases were driven by ventilation and configuration challenges but that the project can be paid from the 9‑1‑1 operating/reserve fund and does not require new debt.

Commissioners asked whether the funding would increase county debt or come from previously borrowed debt service. Elliott replied: "This isn't debt service. This is... the reserve fund for 9‑1‑1 operating expenses." Several commissioners stressed the project's public‑safety importance and urged getting the replacement right to avoid repeated street disruption. Because the General Services committee lacked a quorum the committee could not forward a formal positive recommendation that night; staff noted the project will be on the main meeting agenda for Board consideration.