Commissioners review sole-source purchase request for coroner radios; budget amendment expected

Thurston County staff presented a request to purchase mobile radios to upgrade coroner vehicles for interoperability with the TCOM 911 radio system. Staff described the procurement as a sole-source purchase through Motorola using TCOM-negotiated pricing at $24,253.05.

County staff said the radios will make coroner vehicles interoperable with the county’s public-safety radio system and that the coroner had indicated the item would be covered through a forthcoming budget amendment (first budget amendment for 2025). Commissioners asked staff to coordinate with the budget team and the coroner’s office to confirm funding sources and how the item would be reflected in internal service rates.

Commissioner Carolina Mejia and other commissioners recalled prior coroner requests tied to other equipment grants and noted the coroner would likely need to request additional ongoing funding for maintenance and future costs. Staff agreed to connect the coroner and budget team and to provide clearer information to the board before final approval.