Okaloosa County BOCC — February 4, 2014 — Action Item Printout

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST DATE: February 4, 2014 TO: Honorable Chairman and Members of the Board FROM: Dino J. Villani SUBJECT: Century Link Circuit Contract Amendment DEPARTMENT: Public Safety BCC DISTRICT: All STATEMENT OF ISSUE: Approval of Contract C08-1674-PS Amendment 8 - Explanation of Changes and Potential Changes in monthly invoices with Century Link for 911 circuit billing. BACKGROUND: The Okaloosa County’s 911 system pays monthly charges to Century Link for numerous circuits to operate the 911 system. Century Link’s charges are regulated by the Public Service Commission through tariffs. As tariffs are approved and rates are changed, these circuit charges have fluctuated. Five years ago, those tariffs changed in mid-budget year without notice, creating budgetary issues for the counties’ 911 System customers. Century Link began offering this option to its 911 System customers two years ago in order to provide better budgetary planning for the counties they serve and to help shield them from unplanned rate increases. We then began the process of identifying which circuits were applicable and negotiated those rates. The agreement with Century Link approved by the Board in May 2013 enabled us to lock in circuit rates as specified in the Products and Equipment Agreement Attachment for a thirty-six (36) month period, thus eliminating any unplanned rate increases. However, it was noted by Finance and Century Link in September 2013 of a couple of rates that should not have been included within the Products and Equipment Agreement. Some changes include a reduction in the cost for 911 database records for landline telephones, static IP charges, and other features and services governed by tarrifs that are non-contractual. Amendment 8 to the Century Link Products and Service Agreement details the explanations of changes and potential changes to the monthly invoices in order for past, current and future payments to be processed. The approximate monthly cost for the circuits is $15,500.00, with fluctuations due to long- distance usage. The monthly circuit billings are paid with budgeted 911 funds. OPTIONS: Approve/Disapprove. RECOMMENDATIONS: Approve Contract C08-1674-PS Amendment 8 with Century Link and authorize the Chairman to execute amendment. RECOMMENDED BY: APPROVED BY: Ernie Padgett, County Administrator