Commissioners approve $46,751 contingency allocation to replace failing UPS that supports 9-1-1 and county radio systems

Kent County commissioners approved a contingency allocation of $46,751 to replace a failing uninterruptible power supply (UPS) located in the county’s transmitter building that supports radio and network systems for emergency services, including the 9-1-1 dispatch center and the detention center.

Office of Emergency Services and information-technology staff told commissioners the existing UPS had been in continuous operation since its 1989 installation and that battery failure created an urgent need to replace the unit to ensure reliable communications. IT recommended awarding the turnkey replacement to CPG based on a state contract price; the county also received a comparable turnkey quote from Chesapeake Mission Critical for $49,035.95.

Because the failure was not anticipated during regular budget preparation, the board used FY2026 contingency funds to pay the vendor and approved the project. Commissioners said the contingency fund exists for unplanned, critical infrastructure needs and moved the project forward with a voice vote.