Washington Township Approves $13,260 Security Overhaul, Opts for Local Vendor with 24/7 Service

Article Summary: The Washington Township Board of Trustees unanimously approved a $13,260 contract with TK Audio & Visual to comprehensively upgrade the security system at the Township Center. The final decision, which includes two additional cameras beyond the original scope, was based on the company being a local vendor and offering 24/7 service availability.

Township Security Upgrade Key Points:

• The board awarded the project to TK Audio & Visual for a total cost of $13,260.

• The approved plan now includes two extra cameras for the main office and meeting room, a suggestion made by Trustee Tracy Heldt.

• The system will be built with “UniFi” equipment, which Supervisor Mike Stanula noted is reliable and common in the industry.

• The board chose TK Audio & Visual over a competing $13,195 bid from Umbrella Automation, citing the benefits of a local provider with around-the-clock service.

BEECHER – The Washington Township Center is set for a major security enhancement after the Board of Trustees approved a $13,260 proposal from a local vendor to overhaul the building’s surveillance and access systems.

At its June 2 meeting, the board voted unanimously to award the contract to TK Audio & Visual. The decision followed a month of information gathering after officials tabled the item in May to get a clearer comparison between vendors. Supervisor Mike Stanula presented updated quotes based on identical “UniFi” hardware, a brand he described as reliable and common, making future service and parts easier to find.

The new quote from TK Audio & Visual was $13,260, while a competing updated bid from Umbrella Automation came in at $13,195.

During the discussion, Trustee Tracy Heldt suggested expanding the project’s scope to ensure more comprehensive coverage. She proposed adding two cameras to the system—one in the main office and one in the meeting room.

“It would give the township video in the event there was ever a serious situation in either location,” the meeting minutes recorded. Trustee Paul Goldrick agreed with the suggestion.

The board also decided to relocate the planned electronic lock and buzzer system. Instead of placing it on the exterior door, which would leave visitors waiting outside in potentially bad weather, the access control point will be moved to an interior vestibule door.

Ultimately, the board’s decision came down to service and local presence. Stanula noted that TK Audio & Visual provides 24/7 service, whereas Umbrella Automation’s service department is available only during business hours, Monday through Friday.

The combination of being a local company and offering continuous service availability swayed the board. Trustee Mark Herlitz made a motion to approve the $13,260 proposal from TK Audio & Visual, including the addition of the two extra cameras. The motion passed unanimously.