DuPage County board signals support to fund $1.88 million radio replacement to avoid support gaps

DuPage County board members signaled consensus on purchasing replacement public‑safety radios and moving to fund the purchase with a contingency transfer, the board heard at a committee meeting.

Linda Zirwin, director of the Emergency Telephone System Board (ETSB), told the board the county negotiated about a 47% discount from 2022 contract pricing if it joins a larger order now. "End of support for the radios we're talking about today is in 2030," Zirwin said, noting manufacturers stop servicing older models and replacement parts become harder to find.

The ETSB director said the radios installed under the 2022 contract have lasted roughly 15 years and that the new radios offer additional features, including LTE capability. Nick (finance staff) told the board the county would likely need to transfer $1,880,000 from the 2025 contingency fund to participate in the purchase and that the county could recoup money by reselling older radios, conservatively estimated at about $116,000.

Why it matters: countywide radio equipment supports police, fire and corrections communications. Zirwin and other board members argued that delaying the purchase until the current radios reach end of support could eliminate the volume discount and expose the county to higher prices, parts shortages and interoperability risk.

Board discussion and details: several board members voiced support. Vice Chair Keogh said the discount and the risk of parts shortages made the purchase sensible. Member Ozog and Member Honeck also supported moving forward, citing supply‑chain uncertainty. Zirwin said the ETSB cannot pay for jail radios with 911 surcharge funds because the Federal Communications Commission limits allowable uses of the surcharge; she attributed the restriction to recent FCC findings.

Zirwin gave schedule estimates: if the ETSB approves a change order in October, delivery would be about six to eight weeks after receipt of the purchase order. She said training materials exist and agencies likely would need "a day or two" to get familiar with new features.

Next steps and board direction: Nick told the committee staff would present a formal transfer of $1,880,000 from the 2025 contingency to the finance committee and the full board. The committee chair asked for a show of hands; members indicated general agreement. The meeting record shows the board provided direction to move forward but did not record a formal vote approving the transfer at that session.

Notes: statements and figures above reflect statements at the meeting. Formal appropriation of funds and the purchase order remain subject to subsequent, formal board action.