The Van Zandt County Commissioners convened on February 26, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including approvals for bonds, financial reimbursements, and updates on the P25 radio system implementation.

The meeting commenced with a motion to approve the bond for the 93 RV Park, which was contingent upon the timely submission of necessary paperwork by the fire marshal's office. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Next, the commissioners considered the approval of a $5,000 bond for Michelle Kinney, the first assistant county auditor. This routine approval was also passed without opposition.

The agenda then moved to the acceptance of a reimbursement check from the City of Edgewood for $19.60, related to road materials previously hauled by the county. The motion to accept this payment was made and passed unanimously.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to updates on the P25 radio system implementation. The judge and Barry Black from Choct Communications Group provided insights into the ongoing installation of microwave dishes on communication towers, which are essential for data transmission between sites. The installation of mobile radios in emergency vehicles was also underway, with completion expected by April 2025.

Barry Black detailed the progress on the tower infrastructure, noting that it was nearly complete, with only minor documentation and testing remaining. He emphasized the importance of coverage testing to ensure the system meets contractual requirements, particularly for critical buildings within the county.

The discussion also highlighted the interoperability of the new radio system with existing systems used by local emergency services, including CHRISTUS Health, which has invested in new radios to integrate with the county's system. The commissioners are working on finalizing an interoperability plan to ensure seamless communication among various agencies.

Training for radio users and dispatchers is ongoing, with further sessions planned as the project progresses. The timeline for full implementation and testing is projected for May 2025, contingent on meeting all contractual obligations.

In conclusion, the meeting addressed essential approvals and provided a comprehensive update on the P25 radio system, which is poised to enhance communication capabilities across Van Zandt County's emergency services. The commissioners will continue to monitor the project's progress and ensure all necessary steps are taken for successful implementation.