During a recent government meeting, officials emphasized the urgency of finalizing an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) that has been under development for an extended period. The ILA is expected to be signed into the board next week, marking a significant step forward in a project that has seen delays.
One official highlighted the importance of the ILA, noting that it is crucial for the county's operations, particularly in relation to the establishment of a standalone dispatch center. This initiative was initially supported by a substantial $1.5 million investment made in 2017, which aimed to enhance communication systems for both fire and police services.
The discussion also pointed out that the county has not yet transitioned to the planned 800 MHz and VHF radio systems, despite being one of the \"big five\" entities involved in the project. Currently, the county relies on radios that operate on both frequencies, a situation that has persisted without financial support from the board. Instead, the county secured nearly $1 million in grants from the Coast Guard and Homeland Defense to implement the necessary radio infrastructure.
As the meeting progressed, officials urged the need for a public records officer to be appointed, underscoring the importance of transparency and accountability in the ongoing discussions and developments surrounding the ILA and the dispatch center project.