Commissioners approve $1.625 million supplementary appropriation for county radio network project

The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners approved a budget supplemental appropriation of $1,625,333 for the county radio network improvement project.

Mike Gordon from the sheriff’s office and the emergency communications/dispatch center presented the request; staff said the appropriation funds infrastructure work in progress and anticipates federal grant dollars from USDA to cover part of the cost. Gordon said actual payments this year could vary depending on contract milestones; the project budget as presented covers a series of anticipated vendor payments (deposit, order, milestone payments).

Commissioners moved and seconded a resolution authorizing the appropriation from the county radio network fund (Fund 161). One county official noted actual payouts this year may be closer to $1 million depending on contract variables; staff said they were budgeting to cover possible obligations and that the anticipated USDA funds would offset part of the cost as they arrive.

The motion passed on voice vote. Staff will proceed with contract execution steps and track grant reimbursements as they occur.