Russellville PD spends $18.5K for computer upgrades

RUSSELLVILLE — Police Chief Chris Hargett wasn’t necessarily ready to purchase more than a dozen new computers for his department, but a decision by technology giant Microsoft left him little choice.

Hargett said Tuesday the department is purchasing 13 new desktop computers that are currently using Microsoft Windows 10 as the operating system.

On Monday, the city council approved an $18,543 purchase of 13 desktop computers from Smartfox Solutions of Decatur.

Hargett said Smartfox Solutions also provides IT service for the department.

While the old computers work fine, Hargett said, Microsoft’s recent announcement it would cease support for Windows 10 on Oct. 14 forced the upgrade.

Hargett said 13 of the department’s computers will not run Microsoft’s current operating system — Windows 11.

“Out of all our computers, I think we have three that do not have to be upgraded,” the chief said.

With security being of utmost importance to a law enforcement agency, Hargett said new computers had to be purchased.

He said the expense was not a budgeted item.

“We do budget money for computer stuff, but this was not actually budgeted,” the chief said.

Hargett said State Sen. Larry Stutts, R-Tuscumbia, and District 3 State Repl. Jamie Kiel collaborated to provide a $5,000 grant through the Franklin County Community Development Committee.

“They do a great job,” Stutts said of the committee thedisbursesTennessee Valley Authority in lieu of tax money. “Brad Bolton in Red Bay is my representative on that committee. They do a great job doling out money where it needs to go.”

Hargett said the new computers and software should be installed soon.