Commission authorizes bids for road-and-bridge camera system, awards door/alarm contract for annex

The St. Francois County Commission approved two security-related actions: permission for the IT department to solicit sealed bids for a new camera system at the road and bridge facility, and an immediate award of a door and alarm system contract for the annex courthouse and Weber Road.

IT Director Nick Jones told the commission the current system is antiquated and lacks coverage after recent additions to county facilities. He described the replacement as an IP-based camera system designed to provide clearer images and automated alerts. "We'll offer sealed bids for a new camera system on the road bridge... it'll be IP based," Jones said during the meeting. Commissioners cited recent vandalism and theft at the facility as the rationale for the upgrade.

Separately, the commission voted to award the door/alarm contract to Robert's Alarm for a stated total of $154,090 and to pay up front from the 2024 budget. The commission recorded that the vendor would have 90 days to complete the installation under the bid terms. One commissioner noted continuing local maintenance availability as a reason to select a local vendor.

Both actions passed on voice votes. The commission directed that the door system payment come from the maintenance budget and that the IT office proceed with the sealed-bid process for the camera system.