St. Croix County requests $2.2M for sheriff's office mobile equipment upgrades

The St. Croix County Public Protection meeting held on May 1, 2025, focused on critical updates regarding the county's public safety communication systems. The meeting addressed funding requests and equipment upgrades necessary for the sheriff's office and emergency services.

The primary discussion centered around a proposed budget request of $2.2 million for mobile and portable communication devices for the sheriff's office. This request is part of a larger initiative to enhance the county's communication infrastructure, which includes a combined request for $11.6 million aimed at upgrading existing systems and replacing outdated radios across various departments.

Officials reported that they have been proactive in communicating with local law enforcement chiefs and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel about the financial status and future planning. Meetings have been held to ensure that all stakeholders are informed and can prepare their budgets accordingly. The next meeting with EMS representatives is scheduled for two weeks from the date of the meeting.

The discussion also touched on the historical context of equipment upgrades, noting that the last significant upgrade occurred in 2017, with planning beginning as early as 2012. The current proposal aims to position the county's communication systems to meet future demands, particularly in light of population growth and increased service calls.

Concerns were raised regarding the use of water towers for antenna placement, with officials noting that while three water towers are currently utilized, they present maintenance challenges. The county has previously opted to construct its own monopole towers to avoid these issues.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted ongoing partnerships with local utilities, such as Dairyland Electric, to enhance communication capabilities. The integration of new dispatch radio consoles was also discussed, confirming that these would be installed in the existing command center rather than requiring a new facility.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to improving public safety communication systems through strategic funding and collaboration with local agencies. The next steps involve continued discussions with stakeholders and the pursuit of state grants to support these initiatives.