Courthouse cameras may come on in 30 days

GONZALES — If all goes well, the County Courthouse and Justice Building could have the new, much-anticipated security camera system installed by the end of this year.

County Commissioners on Monday approved a contract for payment of services for the buildings between Gonzales County and Echelon Home Theater and Security. The contract requires Echelon to complete installation of the system within 30 days of their start date.

The package, which costs approximately $29,599.84 to install, is covered by a grant — meaning there will be no out-of-pocket expenses for the county. However, the county will have to advance half that amount before being reimbursed via the grant.

“[Echelon] is requesting 50 percent up front,” Investigator John Brumme said. “The reason being is the amount of the cost — they said it would be very difficult for them to front that. After the work is done, they’ll bill us the rest and we can pay everything with the grant.”

Brumme, who handles the negotiations regarding the system, said on Monday that once Echelon receives the check they will begin work — most likely in mid-December.

“They will then have 30 days to complete the job,” Brumme said. “But I’m pretty confident in them, and I think they could get it done faster than that. [They’ve] always been really consistent with me throughout the negotiation process. I’d bet they’d be able to wrap it up by late December or early January.”

The contract gives some leeway when it comes to bad weather days and circumstances beyond Echelon’s control, however, and will allow for extra days to make up any skipped work if necessary. Worst case scenario, if there are no hindering conditions and the work is not completed within 30 days, Brumme says Gonzales County would be entitled to get their 50 percent back.

“The contract would allow for us to go after the down payment and get reimbursed,” Brumme said. “But like I said, I don’t think they’re going to have a problem getting it installed on time.”

The camera system will come with a one-year parts and labor warranty, as well as a 10-year warranty on manufacturer’s equipment.

Commissioners will conduct their next meeting at the county courthouse on Dec. 8.