West Bend accepts $43,000 county radio grant to equip new officers and squads

The West Bend Finance Committee voted March 3 to accept $43,000 from the Washington County municipal radio grant program to buy radios for newly authorized police positions and an additional squad car.

"We applied for a grant for $43,000. That covers 4 portable radios and 2 mobile radios for the squads," said Chief Holcomb, who explained the purchase will equip four new officer positions approved in the 2025 budget and provide radios for two squad vehicles. He said one squad car that would have been sent to auction will be retained to increase patrol capacity.

The committee moved to accept the funds; the motion was made by Alderman Allen and seconded by Alderman Butchlick, and carried by voice vote. Once accepted, staff will forward the paperwork to Washington County; committee staff reported the county had informed them the funds were available and awaiting approval.

The grant covers equipment only as described; the discussion did not specify vendor names or long-term maintenance costs.