
A new agreement with Hyperwave Consulting for a new phone service was added late to the agenda of the Board of Public Works and Safety.
Last week, City Attorney Jeff Houin told the board that the current phone service contract with Midwest Dial Tone and the equipment is obsolete and needs to be replaced and updated. They can locate refurbished replacement equipment, but it's getting more expensive and harder to find.
Knowing the situation, the city budgeted a significant amount for the upgrade in the 2025 budget. The original quote from Midwest Dial Tone was $29,200 for equipment, and the monthly billing for service would increase from $587 to $1,723.
Attorney Houin said after additional investigation and looking for options, they spoke with Hyperwave Consulting in Plymouth and received a quote of $28,012.04. He said the bigger difference was that the monthly service fee would only be $551.79, about a third of what Midwest Dial Tone quoted. Houin said the new fee is $35 less than what the city is currently being charged for the monthly service fee.
The city attorney said, “We are very happy with this estimate, and we think that now, instead of dragging our feet, we should move forward quickly and go ahead and make this change.”
Board of Public Works and Safety member Duane Culp motioned to move forward with the Hyperwave agreement, and board member Shiloh Milner seconded the motion. Board members unanimously approved.