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County selects consultant for radio coverage study; committee approves $45,660 proposal to move forward
Summary
An ad hoc public-safety & radio committee recommended TUSA Consulting and the Executive Committee voted to move the firm’s proposal forward; the study price cited was $45,660 and the committee discussed funding from the general fund with the possibility of larger future capital costs.
Dodge County’s Executive Committee voted to advance a consultant recommendation to perform a comprehensive radio coverage and interoperability study for public safety communications.
An ad hoc committee of county public-safety leaders and staff reviewed responses to an RFP and interviewed three finalists. Committee members reported unanimous support to recommend TUSA Consulting Services, which submitted a technical proposal and a price of $45,660 for the proposed coverage and equipment study. The committee presented the TUSA proposal, the RFP and addenda to the Executive Committee for consideration.
Sheriff and emergency-management leaders emphasized that a study could identify options ranging from adding equipment to a limited set of towers (potentially costing “a couple hundred thousand dollars”) to a full system replacement that could be “several million” dollars. The sheriff said the committee wanted to be transparent about the potential range of outcomes so board members would not be surprised if the consultant’s work ultimately identified a large capital need.
Supervisor Conway moved the resolution to proceed with the recommended consultant; Supervisor Steger seconded. The committee approved the action; the record shows one abstention and the motion carried. The resolution as drafted authorized the county to contract for the study; the resolution lists the general fund as the funding source but committee members noted alternative funding options could be considered before a county board appropriation.
Why it matters: The study is a first step that will define coverage gaps, interoperability with city and neighboring agencies, and a range of technical and capital solutions that could require substantial future funding decisions by the county board.
