SO to skip RFP process for equipment

GROVETON — In order to facilitate a process to upgrade safety in the county, the Trinity County Commissioners Court allowed the Sheriff’s Office to upgrade its software for communications and police vehicles without having to go through the competitive bidding process.

The approval was made at the June 9 meeting.

County Auditor Lenzy Hargrave said that since the equipment used by the SO isn’t really compatible with many systems, it would just make installing the changes easier.

It also would allow deputies to write and submit reports from the field instead of returning to the office, which would keep them out on patrol and visible.

The initial cost will be $29,178 and then cost the department around $4,000 per month. Funding for the upgrades will come from state-allocated funding.

In other business, the county:

• proclaimed June 19 at Juneteenth Day in Trinity County;
• canvassed votes from the May 26 runoff election;
• approved all personnel action forms;
• tabled the renewal of health benefits for county employees and retirees;
• gave the county judge authority to seek bids for the construction of a community center; and
• retained the law firm of Allison, Bass and Magee for assistance with tax abatement ordinances in connection with a proposed solar power farm.