Cass courthouse phone system will be retained

WALKER -- Cass County declined Tuesday to replace the county courthouse telephone system at this time, based on a late offer from the current phone service provider, Arvig Communications Systems, to absorb the per line subscriber federal fee for up to two more years.

The county received quotes from four providers, including Arvig, to continue to use the existing outdated Centrex system or to install a new, more modern system. Separate quotes also were received for new telephone cabling in the courthouse.

Auditor-Treasurer Sharon Anderson and Management Information Systems Director Tim Richardson agreed delaying a decision on replacing the courthouse phone system and lines will give them more time to research exact needs and look more closely at options without having to make a hasty decision.