Franklin BOC to Vote Tonight on New 911 Communications System

Franklin County Commissioners are expected to vote tonight on whether to approve the recommendation by Interim Franklin County Manager Terry Harris to hire Communications International to install a new 911 Communications System.

Since last fall, the County has been searching for an affordable way to upgrade its Communications system, which is out of date, and had received proposals from three companies, Communications International, Gunby Communications, and Southern Linc.

At their work session last week, 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 the insurance premium tax, which is another $500,000.

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

The rest Harris said will be financed.

Harris added if the Board approves his recommendation this evening he expects the County to sign the contract on April 29.

Expected completion date for the new system is March 2026.

In other business tonight, the Board is expected to vote on several Planning & Zoning requests, and discuss openings on several County volunteer Boards.

Tonight’s meeting takes place at 6p in the Justice Center in Carnesville after the Planning and Zoning Board Public Hearing at 5:30p.

It is also available on Zoom.