Embarq will install lines (02/18/2009)

Jay County Commissioners decided to stick with one company for labor and service Tuesday as they selected Embarq to install phone lines in the new Meridian Street annex.

After speaking with Steve Searles of Embarq, the commissioners gave his company the nod to complete work on the phone system in the courthouse annex to cut down on "finger-pointing" between telecom providers.

With four jobs to be completed - data system installation, phone line cleanup, phone installation, and phone servicing - the commissioners would rather have Embarq handle the last three to avoid multiple companies complaining or being confused about another's work.

"I would clean that wiring up if you want a nicer installation," said Searles about the jumble of connections in the annex building and added Embarq can handle that process if the county wanted.

"If you guys are going to be doing the services in there we might as well have you do it," commissioner Milo Miller Jr. told Searles.

After Searles left, the commissioners discussed for a moment and decided choosing Embarq, even if it costs a little more, would be the best course of action.

"Sometimes the cheapest way costs you more in the long run," said commissioner Jim Zimmerman.

"If they can do the whole thing ... they can't point the finger at anyone."

As a bonus, having one man for the job will create a better working relationship and make for smoother service, said commissioner Faron Parr.

"When you get one guy doing it all, you can have him do little things here and there," he said.

In other business Tuesday, the commissioners:

•Created a line item in the Emergency Management Agency budget so director Ralph Frazee has a place to deposit Homeland Security Department grant money.[[In-content Ad]]