The Fort Atkinson City Council on May 20 approved purchase and installation of a new dispatch radio terminal from GenComm for an amount not to exceed $17,041, Police Captain Lindsay said.

Captain Lindsay told the council the current terminal had exceeded its expected end-of-life (installed about February 2009) and that GenComm confirmed the unit was "definitely on borrowed time." She said the quote covers purchase and installation of audio equipment, a desktop and operating system, and a flat-panel touchscreen monitor "integral to their operations throughout the day." Lindsay said the department did not seek other competitive quotes because GenComm is the sole provider of the department's platform and that the procurement complies with the purchasing policy guidelines in the financial stability guidebook, specifically "section 1.9 sub 3." She added that budgeted funds originally designated for a new 911 hosted system (delayed by the provider) remain in account 5211900 and are available to cover the purchase.

On implementation, Lindsay said "there shouldn't be" a gap in service during installation and that the existing terminal should remain in operation until the new unit goes live. The council moved, seconded, and approved the purchase by voice vote; Lindsay said she planned to place the order the following day to avoid price increases.