Stafford City Council has taken significant steps towards enhancing its audiovisual capabilities, approving a proposal from Ford AV for a comprehensive system upgrade during their recent meeting on August 6, 2025. This decision comes after a thorough Request for Proposal (RFP) process that began in early January and concluded with the submission deadline on June 18. Ford AV was the only company to meet all criteria, demonstrating their extensive experience and compliance with the project requirements.

The approved project, which is fully funded through a federal grant totaling $346,011, includes upgrades to audiovisual systems, communication systems, and related infrastructure. The city’s share of the funding amounts to $86,503, with the remaining costs covered by the federal grant. The project is expected to be completed within 14 weeks, aligning with the grant's timeline for invoicing and reimbursement.

In addition to the audiovisual upgrade, the council discussed the transition of the city's medical director and health authority. The current medical director, Dr. Joe, will step down, prompting the search for a replacement. The council is evaluating three candidates, with two also interested in serving as the health authority. This change may require an increase in the budget for medical services, as the new proposals exceed the current allocations.

The council plans to finalize the selection of the audiovisual contractor and address the medical director transition in upcoming meetings, ensuring that both projects proceed smoothly and within budgetary constraints.