County Commissioners consider high-tech upgrades for meetings

In a recent Scott County Commissioner meeting, members discussed potential upgrades to improve technology for meetings, with a focus on increasing efficiency, enhancing public transparency, and modernizing equipment for future use.

One of the proposals is the acquisition of a Smartboard for the meeting room. Two options were presented:

1. 55-Inch, priced at $2,999, this model offers portability, wireless casting and built-in tools for presentations and annotations.

2. 75-Inch, priced at $5,599, this larger option provides the same features but is better suited for larger spaces, such as a new City Hall conference room.

The Smartboards enable real-time collaborations, such as annotating spreadsheets or displaying diagrams.

A proposal to replace the existing video conferencing cameras with the lasting meeting OWL Pro 4K models, offering improved video quality and advanced audio noise cancellation.

The proposed purchase is for four units at approximately $2,000 each, totaling $8,000. Two cameras would remain stationary for regular use, while two portable units in protective cases would be available for off-site meetings.

Member Randy Julian stated he was concerned with spending that amount of money while viewership of the meetings is less than 200, however he likes the new Smartboard proposal for “more transparency for the public.”

Both remain under review with further deliberations planned to finalize the spending of the remaining $658,702.21 in ARPA funds. Those funds must be spent or under contract by December 31, 2024. Another meeting was scheduled for Friday, December 6 at 5 p.m. in the Commissioners Room in the Scott County Courthouse. That meeting occurred after print deadline for this edition of the Scott County Herald. Look for the details of the December 6 meeting in an upcoming edition.