County approves Pye Barker panic-alarm contracts, opts for monthly payments

Banner County commissioners voted Jan. 20 to approve two contracts with Pye Barker for panic-button and fire-alarm services, each billed at about $50.50 per month. The contracts will replace an earlier contract; the motion authorized the chairperson to sign and stated the cost should be charged to buildings and grounds or general fund as appropriate.

During discussion commissioners and staff debated which budget line should cover the monthly fee (options discussed included buildings and grounds, miscellaneous, or civil defense). An amendment was proposed and adopted to pay the vendor monthly instead of paying annually to spread the cost across budget periods.

The motion was moved, amended, seconded and approved by roll-call vote. Commissioners asked staff to create a new budget line for alarm systems in the next budget cycle so the recurring cost is visible and tracked.

The board also instructed the clerk to ensure any prior duplicate contract is voided once the new contracts are executed.