Council approves funding for emergency radio replacements in Grand Traverse County

The Alpena City Council meeting on December 16, 2024, focused on the urgent need to replace outdated communication equipment for public safety. Chief Rob Edmonds presented a request to fund the replacement of 24 portable radios and 10 mobile vehicle radios, which are essential for emergency communications. The current radios have reached the end of their service life and are no longer supported by the Michigan Public Safety Communication System.

Over the past two years, the city has utilized a program through the county's 911 central dispatch to replace some of the radios at a reduced cost. However, after an unsuccessful attempt to secure a $130,000 grant for the project, Chief Edmonds sought the council's approval for funding the first phase of the replacement, which totals $107,011.45. This phase includes the purchase of portable radios, accessories, and programming.

To finance this project, several funding options were discussed. Currently, there is $78,045 available from ARPA interest income, along with an additional $16,422 from unexpected personal property tax revenue. If these funds are insufficient, the city could also allocate $20,000 from a committed fund balance originally intended for fire equipment. Chief Edmonds emphasized the importance of maintaining a separate allocation for future SCBA cylinder replacements, which are due in about 11 years.

The council will consider a motion to commit available funds to this project, ensuring that the necessary equipment is acquired to maintain effective communication for emergency services. The second phase of the project, which involves replacing mobile vehicle radios, is planned for the fiscal year 2025-2026, with hopes of securing grant funding through a micro grant program. The council's decision on this funding request will be crucial for the safety and efficiency of Alpena's emergency response capabilities.