County’s communications equipment purchase may need more reviewing

In light of the Sept. 27 Chase County Schools bus accident, Chase County Commissioners Jacci Brown, Duane Dinnel and Dennis Kunnemann held discussions with Chase County Emergency Manager Duane Dreiling, Chase County Sheriff’s Deputy Duncan Einspahr and Rick Elliott with Prairie States Communication during the Oct. 11 commissioners’ meeting.
The group brought forth a proposal to replace all the county’s analog radios and two repeaters. The switch from analog to digital would provide the county more privacy during calls between the Lamar, Wauneta and Imperial fire departments and the Wauneta and Imperial EMS on ambulance calls.
Elliott’s quote for two repeaters and the various communication equipment came in around $86,000, with the biggest part, just over $66,000, for the radios.
While the commissioners approved purchase of all the equipment at last week’s meeting, on Wednesday this week Board Chairman Brown said they are getting legal advice from the county attorney’s office regarding bid requirements.
After some research, she said they feel the purchase doesn’t fall under the “specialty bid” category as they thought, so, under state law, they will possibly have to seek bids for the purchase of the radios.
Chase County Sheriff Kevin Mueller would like to place a cargo container for storing evidence at the county’s road shop in Imperial, but the county will need to check with the City of Imperial before making any further plans.
Road Superintendent Toney Krajewski informed the board he is waiting on the results of a hydraulic analysis on the bridge north of Wauneta on Spring Creek.
The commissioners approved a 3% cost of living raise for staff working at the immunization clinics. Staff members will now receive $22.66 per hour.
The next meeting of the commissioners will be Tuesday at 8 a.m. in the county courthouse.