Walla Walla County commissioners to weigh public safety and energy upgrades
By Dan Thesman on Monday, June 1st, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA — The Walla Walla County Board of Commissioners meets this morning (Monday) at 9:15 a.m. to consider a series of public safety upgrades and energy-efficiency contracts, including a multi-year emergency alert system renewal.
Among the top action items is a request from Emergency Management Director Chris Lee to execute a five-year service contract with Everbridge, Inc.. The $97,744.40 agreement ensures continuous operation of the county’s emergency notification system, which provides critical safety alerts and urgent updates to local residents and staff.
Commissioners will also vote on a proposal from Jail Commander Steven Barker to replace the county jail’s aging radio communication system. Facility officials requested $8,421.43 in Law and Justice Funds for a new digital radio system and base station, noting the current equipment struggles to transmit through the facility’s steel and concrete structure.
Additionally, Facilities Maintenance Director Robert Grandstaff is seeking approval for two lighting replacement contracts with DL Lighting LLC. The projects would utilize incentives from Pacific Power & Light to convert traditional fixtures to LED lighting at the county jail for $41,983.43 and at the Juvenile Justice Center for $34,741.47. The county handles labor costs while the utility covers materials, generating projected utility paybacks within 2.3 and 3.7 years, respectively.
