It’s a perfect fit for National Telecommunicators Week. During a workshop meeting Wednesday, on the request of 911 Director Scott Krater, the Schuylkill County Commissioners voted to use nearly $120,000 in Federal Emergency Management Agency money to upgrade 911 communications capabilities.

The commissioner approved the following purchases and contracts:

The purchase of two-room decontamination systems with accessories from Aeroclave LLC, Winter Park, Florida, at a cost of $31,192.

The purchase of six Nomad Portable Answering Positions from Motorola Solutions at a cost of $60,117. Krater explained that the portable answering positions would make it possible for the 911 Center to operate remotely from another site, if needed.

A three-year contract with Greens Communications, Pottsville, for on-site deployment and configuration of equipment. The cost for the first year is $16,800, and the cost for each successive year is $12,600.

The purchase replacement and backup batteries for various equipment at a cost of $10,000.

The commissioners also issued a proclamation recognizing National Telecommunicators Week, noting that the county’s 911 Center responded to more than 135,000 calls in 2019.

People are especially mindful of the importance of the 911 Center during trying times, Commissioners’ Chairman George Halcovage said, and Commissioner Gary Hess agreed.

“We have the tools,” Hess said. “But the telecommunicators are the most important part.”

In other action, the commissioners approved three people to serve on the county’s Tax Assessment Board of Appeals: Francis Spokas, Tamaqua; John Houseknecht, Saint Clair; and Michael Wozniski, Pine Grove.

On the request of Department of Human Services Director Elaine Gilbert, the commissioners approved an application for $150,000 in Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency funding through the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant. If awarded, the money would be used to further develop programs for people who need treatment for both mental illness and substance abuse, Gilbert said after the meeting.