(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners last week voted to waive the bidding requirements due to an emergency threatening serous loss of life, health and property in approving a quote of $251,388 with the Electronic Contracting Company from Lincoln, for the purchase of equipment, the installation and support and maintenance of equipment to be placed at the Richardson County Law Enforcement Center.

County IT Director Joe Buckminster reported he has made every effort to work with the curent provider of the system, Sweeper, for making improvements to the electronic control programming stations at the Law Enforcement Center. Buckminster said the company has not been responsive in getting things done and do not provide good support service. He said some current equipment has failed in the past year and has been very difficult to get repaired and issues resolved or equipment replaced. He said the software programming in the system has become outdated.

The new company will support the system for several years which is inlcued with an option to renew it.

Commissioners also approved a bid of $7,575 from Campbell Construction to repair the ceilings in the holding cells in the jail.

The Board met with County Officials and Department Heads to discuss and review the budget for the next Fiscal Year in regards to the recent changes passed by the Nebraska Legislature that go into effect on July 1, 2025.

A review of budget requests submitted by county departments continued. Changes proposed by Commissioners to the proposals will be returned to each office or department prior to next weeks meeting. The Public Hearing on the budget is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday evening, September 10 at 6:30.

The Board approved the reappointment of Terry Malcolm to the Veterans Service Committee for a 5-year term continuing through June 30, 2029, and received the annual financial report from Leon Wilhelm, representing the Richardson County Historical Society and their request for continued funding of the organization in an amount of $10 thousand.