SUNBURY - Installation of a new telephone system that will save Northumberland County approximately $90,000 annually after loans are paid, according to county officials, will begin on Monday with the rewiring of the county court house.
County commissioners approved the purchase of the Avaya phone system from Ironton in Coplay on June 7 and will pay Service Electric to install the system.
Through a lease purchase agreement with M&T Bank for the new voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) system, the county will pay approximately $50,000 a year in loans for five years, but realize a savings in general operating costs of approximately $40,000 after the first year and $250,000 over the five-year loan period.
"We have to spend money to save money," said Commissioner Vinny Clausi. "I want to thank the other commissioners for working together to save money for the county. These are tremendous savings for the county."