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STEUBENVILLE -- The Jefferson County commissioners agreed Thursday to use American Rescue Plan funds to buy software licenses to connect cameras in Jefferson County schools to the 911 center.
The one-time, $331,875 purchase will link cameras in county schools to Jefferson County's 9-1-1 hub so dispatchers can tap into the video feed in the event of an emergency and instantly feed information to administrators and first responders.
The county is purchasing 1,500 licenses--a few more than they actually need, but it will allow officials to add more cameras if deemed necessary. Schools purchase their own cameras.
"I think it's definitely something we need to do, it will make our schools safer," Commissioner Eric Timmons said prior to the vote.
Commissioners also finalized a $916,285 contract with Alan Stone Co. of Vincent, Ohio, for the county Road 26-6.4 emergency slip repair project, which is being funded by the Ohio Public Works Commission.
They also approved a request from the Board of Developmental Disabilities to junk a 1995 Chevrolet suburban, two Ford lift vans (2010 and 2011) and a 2009 bus.
Superintendent Mike Zinno said all four "have a value under $2,500" and "do not run, are rusted, unsafe and unfit" for road use. They'll be sold at private sale to a salvage yard, where they can be destroyed.
Commissioners also:
ö Referred a petition to vacate a portion of West Hill Street in Smithfield to the county engineer for review.
ö Tabled action on Sheriff Fred Abdalla Jr.'s request to pay $13,400 for a 2011 Dodge Durango for daily use, voicing concern that the vehicle is 12 years old.
"With all the new vehicles we've bought, I'm not sure why we're buying a 2011," Commissioner Dave Maple said, adding he'd like a better understanding, in person or in writing, of what it will be used for. "I'm not sure what is meant by 'daily use.'"
Commissioner Tony Morelli said he "can't get past buying something that's 12 years old," and Timmons said he'd also like to "know a little more about it."
"If there's a need, I'll support it," Maple said.