Franklin BOC to Vote on Vendor for New 911 Communications System

Interim Franklin County Manager Terry Harris has made a recommendation to the Board of Commissioners for a new 911 Communications System.

The Board will vote on his recommendation at their regular meeting on Monday, April 1.

Since last fall, the County has been searching for an affordable way to upgrade its Communications system, which is outdated. Over the past several months, the County has received proposals from Communications International, Gunby Communications, and Southern Linc.

At their work session Tuesday evening, Harris recommended the County go with Communications International.

Harris told the Board that the total cost of the new system with discounts offered by CI will be $7.6 million and will be funded through various sources.

He said the County has $3.5m left from the federal government’s American Rescue Plan Act funds which he said has to be used by the end of 2024.

Additionally, Harris said the Franklin County Fire Association has designated their portion of the insurance premium tax, which is another $500,000.

And then another $1m will come from excess SPLOST V monies, bringing the total amount of money on hand towards the new system to $5 million.

The rest Harris said will be financed.

After hearing from Harris, Commission Chair Jeff Jacques thanked him for what he called his thorough work researching a new communications system for the County as well as coming up with a way to finance it.

Harris added if the Board approves his recommendation on Monday he expects the County to sign the contract with CI on April 29.

Harris added he anticipates once the new Communications system is installed and running, that it will serve the county well for about 15-20 years before they will need to upgrade.

The expected completion date for the new system is March 2026.