AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES TO CONFIGURE THE VIDEO ARRAIGNMENT ROOM AT THE LAW ENFORCEMENT CENTER FOR VIRTUAL APPEARENCES

AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES TO CONFIGURE THE VIDEO ARRAIGNMENT ROOM AT THE LAW ENFORCEMENT CENTER FOR VIRTUAL APPEARENCES

Background: In response to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, Sauk County is experiencing an increased demand for virtual access to a variety of court appearances. As a result of the increased demand for virtual court appearances Building Services, the Courts, MIS, and the Sheriff’s departments applied for a Department of Justice Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding grant. Sauk County was awarded funds from the Department of Justice Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding grant and need to be spent by September 30th, 2021. This resolution seeks to approve the purchase of the necessary audio and video equipment, and related services from Lifeline Audio Video Technologies, to provide this capability in the arraignment room at the Law Enforcement Center with available grant funds to cover the costs. The initial quote indicates that the upgrade costs are not to exceed $21,000. The arraignment room will have the capabilities for inmates and lawyers to appear in a court of law anywhere that uses Zoom or similar technology. The upgrade will greatly reduce the need to transport the inmates, thus saving money from the Sheriff’s department budget. The upgrades would implement technology similar to what is currently being used in the County Board room and Community room at the Law Enforcement Center.

Fiscal Impact: [ ] None [ ] Budgeted Expenditure [x] Not Budgeted 

  NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Sauk County Board of Supervisors met in regular session, that the purchase of the equipment and services necessary from Lifeline Audio Video Technologies to support virtual court appearances from the Law Enforcement Center arraignment room, at a cost not to exceed $21,000, be and is hereby approved; and,

For consideration by the Sauk County Board of Supervisors on September 21, 2021.

Respectfully submitted,

PROPERTY COMMITTEE

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CARL GRUBER, Chair                                             JOEL CHRISLER

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SHANE GIBSON                                                        KEVIN SCHELL

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MARK “SMOOTH” DETTER

Fiscal Note:  It is intended that the funding for these projects will be provided by proceeds from the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (Fed. 16.034 CV) Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funds – Non-Direct Counties 2020 expenses.

MIS Note:  A computer will be acquired for this project through the MIS department.  The cost of the computer is included in the not to exceed cost of $21,000.