IT director warns Marquette County: failing door‑fob system and rising hardware costs make replacement urgent

Danny, the county’s MIS representative, told the Executive and Finance Committee on June 10 that several county technology systems are nearing end of life and that costs have increased notably over the last year.

He cited three capital needs: a network refresh (a 2021 quote listed earlier ranges between $120,000 and $160,000; a refreshed figure shown in discussion was $436,000), a virtual‑host refresh and storage renewal (host replacement quotes near $88,000; multi‑year renewal cycle cost estimated at roughly $220,000–$240,000) and a failing door‑fob access control system. Danny said a 2022 quote was roughly $83,000 and a refreshed quote is now “around $100,000,” adding that prices are rising about 15% year‑over‑year for some hardware. "I'm not coming here saying, 'Folks, we need to do this right now.' My job is to tell you the systems that are not working and that should get replaced," Danny said, while urging the committee to consider budgeting in 2027 rather than delaying further.

Committee members asked about compatibility with the highway and EMS station systems; Danny said most cameras are compatible and estimated camera‑platform integration could add about $40,000 (software licensing on a multi‑year cycle), but would allow live monitoring of EMS stations currently only recorded.

The committee directed Danny to obtain an additional comparable quote and recommended including the door‑fob project in the 2027 budget cycle rather than seeking immediate county borrowing. Danny warned that if the existing system fails completely the county would have to keep doors unlocked or rely on manual processes until replacement could be authorized.

Staff will return with at least one additional comparable, more detailed cost breakdowns and options for integration with the camera system before the committee approves funding.