County seeks long-term funding for $8.5M public-safety radio upgrade; NDOT partnership cited

Douglas County telecommunications staff told the Board of County Commissioners the county's public-safety radio system needs phased replacement and upgrades, and staff presented an $8.5 million total project estimate that draws on user fees, the 9-1-1 surcharge and grant/partner funding.

Emergency Communications Manager Brent Finster and radio technicians outlined accomplishments that include replacement of some repeaters, completion of a station 12 tower upgrade in partnership with NDOT, and preventative-maintenance contracts that reduced near-term system risk. Finster said the county purchased 14 repeaters and performed frequency coordination required by the Federal Communications Commission.

The project aims to replace end-of-life repeaters across 16 primary sites and to pursue new site land use agreements that improve coverage. Finster said the radio fund already has roughly $1.9 million in prior spending and requested a $1.0 million transfer from the dispatch fund to continue upgrades; the broader $8.5 million total would come from a mix of local funds, a possible increase in the 9-1-1 surcharge and state or federal grants. "We are continually looking for those opportunities," Finster said, urging commissioners to support grant requests and letters of support to federal representatives.

County staff noted the radio system upgrade is closely linked to dispatch capability; several prior dispatch and emergency-management items depend on radio coverage and site availability. Finster also said the radio program supports daily maintenance for user agencies and is seeking additional funding for ongoing preventative maintenance and technician training.