Dispatch Gets Software Upgrade; Chief Admin Officer Gets New Ride

Kirkwood moved forward on its path to updating its dispatch services at the 's regular meeting last Thursday.

Councilors approved a contract with Global Software for $308,283 that will provide the city with computer-aided dispatch software. .

The council also approved a $72,709-contract for EMS software and a $33,056-contract for record management software for the .

Additionally, councilors approved the purchase of a 2012 Ford Escape costing $20,718 for Chief Officer (CAO) Mike Brown.

CAO compensation includes a city car for business use, according to council member Tim Griffin, and Brown has not purchased a new vehicle in more than ten years.

The SUV is a city asset and is a valuable purchase for city hall, Brown said.

"This is not something I'm going to use to drive to work every day, or anything like that," Brown said. "This is a vehicle for official business, and something that the police and fire departments will have access to as well."

Brown's former vehicle is being considered for use by the that may equip the vehicle as an unmarked detective car.

"The car has more features than I need, but if we can get something with more features under budget, then it's a more valuable city asset, plain and simple," Brown said.

The purchase was budgeted at $25,000 before bids were received. The vehicle is being purchased from from Dave Sinclair Ford.