Tahlequah approves $173,326.53 purchase for downtown wireless speaker system

Tahlequah city leaders voted Feb. 2 to buy downtown audio equipment from Vox Audio and Visual in a sole-source purchase totaling $173,326.53.

City Administrator Taylor Tannehill told the council the purchase covers equipment only and would deploy up to 28 wireless speakers from Spring Street to Choctaw; the system includes optional add-ons such as a public-address capability for emergency announcements and decorative covers for the units. “We’re asking to improve now with those contingencies so we can move forward in an expeditious way,” Tannehill said.

Tannehill told the council the purchase is contingent on a few items: gaining access to an AT&T tower downtown to mount a router for Wi‑Fi transmission, confirming pole compatibility and wind-load tolerances, and securing available grants or donated funds to offset costs. An unidentified speaker on the dais noted that “the majority of the funding for this is coming from ARPA,” and Tannehill said donations would also be sought.

Staff emphasized the quote covers equipment only; any labor, mounting or future system expansions would require separate agreements. The city indicated the system is wireless and that the quoted equipment carries standard manufacturer warranties; council members asked staff to confirm warranty length and long-term replacement planning before rollout.

Council approved the item by roll call. Next steps identified by staff are to finalize AT&T access, confirm structural compatibility with the downtown poles, and track fundraising or grant commitments to offset the purchase.

The council’s authorization allows staff to execute the purchase agreement pending those contingencies and funding confirmations.