Council approves purchase of four encrypted mobile radios for ambulances after federal grant funding did not arrive
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Summary
Council authorized purchasing four mobile ambulance radios previously expected to be grant-funded after federal program funding was delayed or stopped; staff said the purchase will align ambulance radios with other encrypted systems.
The Urbandale City Council approved a purchase to obtain four mobile radios for ambulances after a federal grant intended to fund the equipment was paused in February. Fire department staff explained the radios are part of the Department of Homeland Security/HHS Rule Emergency Medical Communications Demonstration Project; the grant funding was delayed and staff were instructed on June 26 to either return the equipment or purchase it.
Staff recommended buying the radios to bring ambulances in line with the rest of the city's encrypted radio systems. Council members expressed regret that other communities may lack funds to cover similar shortfalls. One council member asked whether the city should seek help from the federal delegation; staff suggested cataloging similar funding disruptions and prioritizing larger legislative items with federal representatives.
A motion to approve the purchase (council letter 82 35) was moved and seconded and passed by voice vote. Staff said the city will track the expense and revenue shortfalls in a spreadsheet for future discussions with the federal delegation if needed. The meeting did not record a specific purchase price in the transcript excerpt.
