E911 software upgrade now under way
By SALESHA WILKEN STAFF REPORTER
An effort to upgrade services provided by the Rogers County E911 Center is under way.
The Rogers County Commissioners on Monday finalized the purchase of computer aided dispatch software in an effort to enhance public safety.
The $490,000 software package will aid dispatchers by tracking officers and communicating information directly to emergency responders in the field.
The Spillman software system is used by more than 1,200 agencies nationwide, including the City of Claremore.
The county is purchasing the program through a lease option and will pay approximately $92,000 annually for seven years.
The county cannot legally bind itself beyond the current fiscal year. The commissioners will need to renew the contract every July, according to Senior Assistant Attorney General Charles Rogers.
After initially reviewing the contract, county officials required a few modifications to the document, which delayed the board’s authorization.
Commissioner Mike Helm and E911 Director Janet Hamilton voiced concerns Monday about the autonomy of the system.
Hamilton referenced pending litigation filed against the county and voiced her concern the legal battle would create tension between the city and county.
The city has filed a tort claim against the county stating that a verbal agreement to help widen King Road was voided.
Hamilton also shared her concerns about how the software would interface with the city network.
Undersheriff Jon Sappington said a fiberoptic connection would interface the E911 Center with the system operated by the Claremore Police Department.
By connecting the system, the two agencies will have the ability to share information while creating a system backup.
Helm questioned the funding source for the project as he worked to insure Hamilton was in support of the contract.
E911 funding will pay the bulk of the purchase with the Rogers County Sheriff’s Office picking up a fraction of the annual fee.
Read the full story here: http://www.claremoreprogress.com/news/e-software-upgrade-now-under-way/article_9f3661e4-8aaf-11e4-ac42-bf6763bd35ef.html