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JBC debates funding sources for statewide digital trunked radio system; options include energy-impact fund, 9-1-1 fees
Summary
Committee members questioned an executive proposal to fund ongoing DTRS vendor and equipment upgrades with 9-1-1 enterprise funds, saying federal rules may bar that use; some members urged using the Energy and Mineral Impact Fund instead and asked staff to research legal risk.
The Joint Budget Committee took up a contentious policy choice on March 17 over how to pay an estimated $15 million-per-year plan to maintain and upgrade Coloradothe statewide digital trunked radio system (DTRS).
DTRS, which supports public-safety radio communications for first responders, needs a vendor contract renewal and ongoing hardware upgrades, staff said. JBC staff presented multiple funding options, including a request to use the 9-1-1 Services Enterprise (the state-level 9-1-1 fee pool) to cover the recurring costs, an alternative to using general fund, or tapping the Energy and Mineral Impact Fund as a state funding source.
Alfredo Kim, JBC staff, told the committee the departments initial request sought $15 million a year over 10 years to pay vendor and equipment costs. "One way or another the $15 million needs to be…
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