MAY 9, 2023 PRESS RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE

May 9, 2023

Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District

Akin et al. v. Columbia 911

The Akin plaintiffs filed a frivolous lawsuit against Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District. They knew or should have known their competitive bidding lawsuit allegations were false.  The sitting District directors have acted lawfully in the community’s best interest.  The true facts should be understood before the local election on May 16.

The District engaged in a competitive bidding process before hiring Federal Engineering to assist with the Land Mobile Radio project that must be completed soon to ensure continued reliable 9-1-1 service.  

It solicited three bids from qualified professional firms, received two responsive bids, and accepted the lowest responsible bid.  Such bidding records were available to all plaintiffs through a public records request. 

The District’s website explains how to request public records in accordance with Oregon’s public records law, and most records are available at little cost– far less money than the cost of a lawsuit.  Neither the plaintiffs nor their attorney asked the District about the facts and justification for contracting with Federal Engineering before filing the lawsuit.

The District has requested Akin and the other plaintiffs to dismiss their frivolous lawsuit by May 12, or the District, based on the facts known, will seek sanctions including the District’s attorney fees and costs for having to use taxpayers’ money to defend this frivolous lawsuit.  The District takes its fiscal and 9-1-1 duties seriously. It is proud of its work in managing the District taxpayers’ money while providing excellent emergency communications services for the community.