Franklin County BOC Hires South Carolina Company to Improve Audio/Video Service

Franklin County Commissioners have approved the hiring of a South Carolina company to install new audio/visual equipment for use during Commission meetings and work sessions.

In the fall, Commission Chair Jeff Jacques asked citizens for input on how to improve the audio/video quality during the meetings.

Complaints from citizens included not being able to hear speakers or presentations nor see graphics for those attending in person as well as poor audio/video quality for those watching virtually via Zoom.

County Clerk Kandy Bond was then tasked with the job of researching to find the best audio/visual services and on Monday evening Jacques asked staff for a recommendation on the results of that research.

Interim County Manager Terry Harris said a company in Anderson, SC looked like the best fit for what the County needs.

County Clerk Kandy Bond tells WLHR News the new audio/visual system quote includes all equipment, labor, and installation/setup.

She added that the system consists of a mounted cinema contour fixed screen with a short throw laser projector for high-resolution imagery that will be viewable from all areas of the room.

Additionally, it includes a dual interface for the desktop computer currently on stage at the Justice Center as well as a laptop connection for speaker presentations.

And Bond said as for issues with Zoom, the County will continue to use Zoom for those watching virtually.

However, Pro Tech will install a mounted optical zoom camera for enhanced live streaming with a high-performance audio interface which will allow viewers to more clearly hear the commissioners and speakers.

There will also be two mobile microphones with quick connections for easy setup (one for the county staff seating area and one for the speaker podium).

Bond said Pro Tech was notified Tuesday they had the contract.

She said once the equipment comes in, she will schedule a time for ProTech to install it.