Sheriff seeks permission to apply for up to $150,000 state grant for radios

The sheriff asked commissioners for permission to apply for a nonmatching grant from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security of up to $150,000 to purchase radio equipment.

The application would fund 20 portable radios, two to four in‑car radios and supporting equipment to address shortages in the department’s current radio inventory and to create an emergency 'bank' of radios, the sheriff’s representative said. Quotes presented to the county were for equipment compatible with the department’s existing radio system.

The commissioners moved and seconded approval to allow application for the grant; the motion passed by voice vote. The county attorney and auditors were not reported to have raised legal or matching‑fund concerns because the grant is nonmatching.

If the county approves applying, the sheriff’s office will finalize quotes and submit the formal application to the state program, county staff said. No award was guaranteed and no funds were committed by the county at the meeting.