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Committee approves $213,850 radio system upgrade for Kane County highway crews
Summary
Kane County Transportation Committee approved a $213,849.76 purchase for more than 90 digital and Starcom radios and associated equipment to improve field communications between highway crews, supervisors and public-safety dispatchers.
The Kane County Transportation Committee on June 17 approved a $213,849.76 contract for mobile and handheld radios and related equipment to upgrade county highway communications.
Mike Wei, the maintenance presenter, told the committee that county highway crews were using older, hand-me-down sheriff radios and that coverage and clarity problems had caused operational difficulties during incidents such as the Böse Road tornado, when the county had trouble confirming road status. Wei said the department worked with KingCom dispatch and local vendors to select a digital radio platform for field crews and Starcom radios for supervisors so they can communicate directly with sheriff and OEM channels.
Michelle Guthrie of KingCom told the committee the upgrade would reduce duplication and delay because KingCom currently monitors multiple talk groups and often must relay messages between agencies. The county selected Bacom of St. Charles to supply and program the radios; staff said the vendor will program devices before delivery to the county.
Committee members questioned unit cost and whether cell phones could substitute. Wei said in-plow operations require hands‑free, rapid communications and that radios provide situational awareness to all listeners. The committee approved the purchase by roll call; staff recommended approval.
