Fiscal Court delays purchasing cameras
Court Adair County Fiscal Court members probably learned more than they ever wanted to know about surveillance cameras during a special called meeting Tuesday morning.
The court intended to consider bids for recording equipment in the regional jail but instead rejected bids when they learned that more modern equipment was available at a lower rate.
The county bid the equipment using specific specifications, and two companies bid using those specs. AAA Systems of Bowling Green presented the lowest bid, but they also provided an alternative bid for less money for what a representative said is more modern equipment.
Vision Communications, an Adair County business, bid the equipment for $58,850.
AAA Systems bid $51,319.50. In addition, AAA Systems provided an alternative bid for around $45,000 for equipment a representative said provides higher resolution and is more readily expandable.
County attorney Jennifer Hutchison-Corbin said the court could not accept the low bid then negotiate for the alternative bid because it would be circumventing the bidding process.
Magistrate Sammy Baker said he didn’t want to see the court purchase equipment that is obsolete. Magistrate Terry Hadley, who works for Duo-County Telecom and is knowledgeable about technology hardware, said the alternate bid is better equipment.
The court voted to reject all bids and rebid. In addition, Baker and magistrate Danny Goodin agreed to serve on a committee with deputy jailer Eric Antle to view equipment in other jails and determine how the bid should be written.
Budget approved
Without discussion, the court gave second reading to the county’s budget for 2010-11.
The budget reduces one full-time position in 911 administration with the retirement of director Mary Allender.
It includes a general fund of more than $1.38 million, a road fund of $1.29 million and a jail fund of $1.28 million, along with other programs, for a total $4.83million budget.
By Sharon Burton
snburton@windstream.net
