Lincoln County announced that it will

upgrade its phone system this month in an effort to improve service

and save money.

The equipment upgrade will occur at the

courthouse and annex building in Libby with a phone system

changeover on the weekend of Feb. 19.

The new system will provide seven-digit

“real world” phone numbers that will allow the public to reach

individuals quicker. Currently when county phone numbers are

called, the public must go through a phone tree to find the desired

department or person.

Officials said that while the phone

tree will still be available, the new system will provide each

employee with an actual phone number for direct dialing.

“The new system will also save us a

substantial amount of money each year.” Lincoln County Commissioner

Marianne Roose said through a press release. “The new system will

cost approximately $26,000 but will provide savings of about

$20,000 per year. That savings will provide a very quick payback

for the initial cost and save taxpayers for many years to

come.”

Before the system is activated later

this month, the county announced plans to publish (website and

newspaper inserts) all of the new numbers for offices and employees

affected by the change.

For those with questions, call Ric

Kesling, information technology director, at 293-7781, ext. 302, or

Bill Bischoff, executive assistant, at 293-7781, ext. 201.