County approves Spectrum VOIP for JEMS and Kleinpeter Consulting for HELP! grant writing

Two operational contracts were approved during the June 12 meeting: a Spectrum VOIP agreement for the county’s emergency medical services and a consulting contract to support an OCRA grant application.

John McFarland, shift supervisor for JEMS, described chronic phone problems — long ring times to a nonworking voicemail and roughly 45 robocalls per hour — and requested a VOIP system that can forward calls to crew cellphones and provide secure fax‑to‑email. The commissioners reviewed term options; Rex Journay moved to approve the five‑year contract with Spectrum VOIP. Brian McGalliard seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

The board also approved a contract with Kleinpeter Consulting to provide OCRA‑certified grant writing for the HELP! program. Meeting minutes record Kleinpeter’s fee as a total 8% of grant funds, with 5.5% categorized as costs the grant would not allow; Kleinpeter confirmed he could meet the June 16, 2023 application deadline. The contract was approved by a unanimous roll call of commissioners.

Minutes do not provide contract documents or the allocated county match for the grant; Kleinpeter was described as recommended by regional planning contacts.