COMMISSION BRIEFS

Commissioners approve purchases for Sheriff’s Office

Mason County commissioners approved three separate purchases for the Sheriff’s Office at Tuesday’s meeting.

According to the information packet, the Sheriff’s Office was approved to buy a scanner and accessories from FARO Technologies. The scanner is the primary tool used to measure and document evidence at crime scenes. It is used to investigate fatality accidents, homicides and is important in preserving and documenting a scene.

The office’s current FARO scanner is outdated and has been repaired in the past, but needs replacement, according to the packet. The cost of the scanner is $58,692.51.

Along with the scanner, the commissioners also approved the purchase of FARO drones costing $5,500 for two drones. The FARO laser scanner can be used with a drone to provide accurate and detailed renderings of crime and accident scenes, and can be used to proactively document government campuses, school campuses and other locations for pre-incident planning, according to the packet.

The drones can be used for surveillance during active investigations or help find lost people when time is critical. The use of drones decreases investigation times and reduces personnel costs by limiting time on scene. MCSO has used the program for years, but the older drones are not compatible with new regulations that went into effect this month, according to the packet.

Commissioners also approved a Sheriff’s Office contract renewal with Axon Enterprises. The commissioners signed a contract five years ago with Axon to provide tasers, training and evidence software for patrol and corrections deputies.

It has been a successful program that has ensured personnel have access to a less lethal force option. The contract was set to end at the end of November prior to a contract proposal from Axon.

Axon recently released the Taser 10, which has improvements that will make deputies and the public safer, according to the packet.

The contract was approved for another five years for a total of $445,864.70, and the previous five-year contract price was $324,453.69. The amount due by December is $63,227 and next year, the county will pay Axon $90,107.24. In 2025, the county will pay Axon $93,711.47, and in 2026, the county will pay $97,459. The final year will cost the county $101,358.28.

Money added to WIC

County commissioners added more money to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children program.

According to the information packet, the contract amendment adds $24,338 and extends the period of performance through the end of the year. The contract term extension and money will allow for completion of onboarding and training of WIC Coordinator and Certifier, and development of required local agency policies and procedures. The county plans to begin serving clients of the program starting Jan. 1.

County funds mental wellness program

Mason County commissioners approved money for the North Mason Fire Authority’s Mental Wellness Program at Tuesday’s meeting.

According to the information packet, the program is designed to address mental health needs of residents. The North Mason Regional Fire Authority has an opportunity to provide the community with a licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who can assist with rapid intervention, treatment, prevention management and consultations. The practitioner can also refer people suffering from diseases and the person will be part of the Mobile Integrated Health Program, according to the packet.

The county is contributing a one-time startup payment of $75,000 from the Treatment Sales Tax fund.

Homeless programs allocated funding

A temporary inflationary relief fund program has allowed county commissioners to provide money to providers contracted with Mason County through a Consolidated Homeless Grant from the state Department of Commerce.

According to the information packet, the purpose of the money is to maintain current levels of homeless subsidies and services in an attempt to stabilize the homeless service provider workforce. Providers submitted a quote for money and the money was allocated based on a prioritization of eligible activities approved the county Housing and Behavioral Health Advisory Board.

A total of $276,848 was passed through from the state grant. Turning Pointe Survivor Advocacy Center received $73,121, Quixote Communities received $11,715, Community Lifeline received $52,717, Crossroads Housing received $47,860 and Shelton Family Center received $91,434.

Jail touchscreen system upgraded

Mason County Administrator Mark Neary was approved to sign a change order with Corrections Technology Group to upgrade the control touch screen at the jail for $5,400.

According to the information packet, the CTG jail camera system was approved and CTG came onsite to perform a logistical walkthrough. It was discovered that the current system was operating on a control touchscreen that is out of date and not able to be upgraded. CTG decided to reallocate some existing computers and add a larger touchscreen monitor to cover the needs of control The cost is the labor of upgrading the control panel to the newest version and reprogramming.

Public hearing on land sale

Mason County hosts a public hearing Oct. 24 on the sale of a parcel of land on state Route 3.

According to the information packet, Jon and Kim Rice recently inquired about the parcel of land next to land they own. On June 1, 1925, a public hearing allowed the county commissioners to vacate a 10-by-10-foot parcel of land of Sherwood Avenue. In the final order of vacation, there was a small parcel of land that was not included.

The issue was discussed with legal and the recommendation was to surplus and sell the land. The 2023 assessed property value was $730.