CHAMBERSBURG – Franklin County Commissioners approved a motion Tuesday to move forward with a wireless network assessment at the county jail in response to longstanding connectivity issues affecting both staff and visitors.
The contract was awarded to Red River Technology, which submitted the lowest qualified proposal. The cost of the assessment is expected to be $7,150, with a guaranteed cap not to exceed $11,500 if unforeseen issues arise during the evaluation. Commissioners also noted that the expense may be covered by the jail’s inmate store fund instead of using taxpayer dollars from the general fund.
The decision followed ongoing challenges with poor Wi-Fi reception throughout the facility. According to county staff, these issues have impacted corrections personnel, visiting attorneys and court officials who rely on wireless access for secure communications and daily operations.
“We have tried internal improvements with limited success,” staff members reported during the meeting. “It’s time to bring in a specialist.”
The contractor will conduct a comprehensive wireless assessment to evaluate the jail’s infrastructure and recommend solutions to improve coverage. The vendor agreed to document and justify any additional costs beyond the base estimate if they emerge.
Commissioners confirmed that even if the project reaches the maximum cost, the Red River Technology quote remains lower than the second bid the county received.
“We need this done right,” one commissioner said. “Our jail staff and visiting professionals need reliable access to technology tools that support their work.”
The approval came without opposition. The move reflects an effort to modernize infrastructure in a facility where the physical layout has posed repeated obstacles to consistent wireless coverage.
As Franklin County continues to invest in public safety and modern operations, officials said this assessment will serve as the foundation for lasting improvements to jail connectivity and service reliability.
