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Spencer County approves consultant study of countywide radio coverage
Summary
Spencer County Fiscal Court approved a contract of up to $2,650.50 with a communications consultant to evaluate the countywide radio system and recommend options to improve emergency radio coverage.
Spencer County Fiscal Court on May 19 voted to hire a communications consultant to evaluate the county—s radio infrastructure and coverage.
The court approved a contract not to exceed $2,650.50 with a communications consultant identified in the meeting as Better Communications (referred to in the transcript as Bednar/Ventnor). County Judge Scott Travis said the study would review existing towers, coverage gaps and provide alternative options, and that the cost was small compared with potential future upgrades costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The nut graf: The consultant will perform site visits, a coverage assessment and a written comparison of options so the county and partner agencies can decide whether to upgrade the current P25-capable system, pursue a different digital radio platform or phase improvements. Court members emphasized they wanted an independent second opinion before committing to large upgrades.
During discussion, Commissioners and emergency services staff raised concerns that many of the county—s portable radios are not NextGen/NextEdge-capable and that different upgrade paths could require purchasing new radios. Robert (staff member) and other staff said the consultant would meet with county staff and city and fire department representatives before testing and reporting.
A motion to approve the contract was made by Commissioner Mike and seconded by Commissioner Will; the clerk conducted a roll call in which all present voted in favor. Judge Travis directed staff to provide the consultant with county contacts and logistical information, including Robert and the emergency management and communications staff, so the evaluation could proceed.
Court members repeatedly said the study is evaluative only and does not commit the county to purchase equipment or select a system. The court also discussed the need to coordinate any eventual upgrade with the city and local fire departments so systems remain interoperable.
The court plans to use the report to develop a scope of work and, if needed, to solicit competitive bids for any subsequent implementation work.
