Commission weighs fuel-site upgrades, card readers and backup-power housing; considers Nixle replacement

Crawford County commissioners discussed several infrastructure and emergency-preparedness items during their March 2025 meeting, including a vendor quote to cover fuel pumps, a proposal for a card-reader fuel-tracking system, additional tank capacity and options for housing county generators.

One vendor quoted $10,083 for a 35-by-18-foot canopy to protect fuel pumps; commissioners noted a potential tariff-driven price increase of roughly 25% after March 10 and discussed whether to lock a price or delay decision. Staff were asked to circulate the vendor's quote and measurements so the board could consider the procurement.

On fuel tracking, a participant described a proposed card-reader system with a one-time cost of $1,725 and annual cloud storage at $479, which could allow departments (Road & Bridge, EMS, Sheriff) to track fuel use by vehicle or card and improve accounting. Commissioners noted tank-capacity permits would be required to accept semi deliveries or larger bulk purchases and asked staff to confirm permitting and tank sizing options.

Separately, the board discussed housing large backup generators in shipping containers at county property (the Frito Building was cited as an option), including needed repairs and mitigation (new tires, skylight repairs) to keep generators in serviceable condition. Staff will seek additional quotes and confirm technical feasibility.

Commissioners also discussed replacing or supplementing the county's alert system (a system referred to in the record as Nixle) and consolidating communications; the county's emergency manager was referenced as recommending a replacement system with an estimated first-year cost of about $3,000.

No formal purchasing motions for the card reader, generator enclosures or canopy were made at the meeting; commissioners asked staff to return with detailed bids, permitting requirements and cost comparisons at a future meeting.