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Sheriff: new storage building showing progress; radios procurement and bond‑fund gap flagged
Summary
Sheriff's office reported construction progress on a new storage building and impending change orders; the department also outlined a countywide radio upgrade program with a large upcoming invoice and asked commissioners to check bond‑fund balances for an estimated quarter‑million shortfall.
Mike Warden, appearing for the sheriff’s office, updated the commissioners on two major operational matters: construction of a new Morgan Sheriff Storage Building and a countywide radio upgrade and mobile‑radio procurement.
On construction, Warden said foundation footings are boxed and contractors were connecting footing walls; crews had hot‑tapped the city water for two service connections and were preparing for a concrete pour. He reported change order No. 5, a proposed change to widen a turnaround at the existing building, was in review and estimated at roughly $4,300. Warden said the project’s change orders overall appeared to be approaching a total increase of about 3 percent, but he warned the bond fund that finances construction might fall short, estimating the county could need roughly a quarter‑million dollars beyond available bond funds to finish some projects. Warden asked staff to inventory bond‑fund commitments and confirm final payment status on other projects (public works shop, heater issues, final payments) so the county can assess funding needs.
On communications, Warden briefed the board on the county’s radio upgrade and early‑adopter work. He said 535 mobile radios for agencies have been ordered and that installation and system‑design work would likely produce a large invoice he estimated around $2.5 million for the full package over time. He reported progress on the early‑adopter site: the system worked as expected in some busy moments and provided additional channels that improved communication capacity. He said some agencies had not yet deployed the radios they expected because a multi‑band radio was delayed by a manufacturer, but the arriving mobile radios should improve coverage and interoperability. Warden said the county is finalizing a detailed scope with ADCOM consultant and seeking funding via congressional earmarks and USDA financing. He asked staff to prepare a fuller financial update and schedule for payments and funding options.
Why it matters: The storage building and radio upgrades are major capital activities with direct budget consequences. Warden’s report flagged the possibility of additional project costs beyond bond funding and identified a multi‑million‑dollar procurement schedule for communications equipment that will require close fiscal planning.
Next steps: Warden will provide a formal change‑order request and final estimates for building costs; the sheriff’s office and finance staff will reconcile bond‑fund balances and future payments. The communications program will continue contract negotiations with ADCOM and pursue grant/earmark/USDA funding; Warden asked for a detailed financial summary at the next meeting.
