Council Approves $209,990 to Replace Radios After Statewide Network Notice

Councilors approved a one-time reallocation of $209,990 in under‑spent FY2025 salary lines to a restricted account to purchase replacement radios after the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency announced the Motorola XTS and XTL models will no longer be allowed on the statewide network after June 30, 2028.

"The Rhode Island EMA has announced that Motorola XTS and XTL radios will no longer be allowable on the statewide system after 06/30/2028," Town Administrator Luis Raynor told the council. Raynor said the town inventoried police, fire and DPW equipment and identified 22 vehicle radios and 25 portables that will need replacement. He said the municipal finance director identified vacancy savings in policing and other lines that could be reallocated, so no new revenue or levy increase is required.

Deputy Fire Chief provided technical detail and said the town can use Kenwood radios for fire and DPW on the statewide network in some cases; police radios require encrypted-capable Motorola models. The deputy chief said Kenwood units are substantially less expensive than Motorola and that the town will mix vendors where permitted to lower costs.

Councilor Gleeson and others questioned the timing and whether the notice had been sudden. Raynor and the deputy chief said the town learned of the formal deadline in the last month and moved quickly to secure budget authority and early ordering to avoid shortages and price increases.

The council voted 7–0 to place the funds into a restricted account and authorize the purchase planning and phased ordering to beat anticipated supply shortages and pricing pressure as other jurisdictions act on the same mandate.