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Committee approves sole‑source purchase of Motorola radios for Wausau Police
Summary
The Finance Committee approved a sole‑source purchase of Motorola portable radios through local vendor Northway Communications, a budgeted item the police department says is part of an annual 10‑radio replacement plan.
The Wausau Finance Committee on March 11 approved a sole‑source purchase request to buy Motorola portable radios for the Wausau Police Department through local vendor Northway Communications.
Paula Meadows, a resident who spoke during public comment, asked whether the ten radios in the packet were budgeted and what each unit would cost. Meadows said the department listed 79 radios while the police have 81 sworn staff and that “14 of those radios are at the end of life,” prompting her to ask whether more than ten units were needed.
A patrol captain explained the department set aside $50,000 in the current budget for radios and has instituted an annual replacement plan to buy roughly 10 radios per year. “Beginning last year, we added that to the budget, for a 10 radio per year replacement plan,” the captain said, adding some radios still function but are no longer serviceable for parts. The captain also identified community service officers and emergency police staff as non‑sworn employees who use portable radios at events.
The police chief told the committee the department will bring the sole‑source memo annually unless the committee prefers a different cadence. The chief said Motorola products are territorial and sold through a regional vendor structure, making Northway Communications the local authorized source and providing a local repair option.
Alder Tierney emphasized adherence to the city’s procurement policy when sole‑source justifications are presented. The committee approved the sole‑source request by voice vote. Alder Gisselman moved the motion; Alder Henke seconded.
Why it matters: The radios support daily police operations and event communications. Staff said the replacement plan and local vendor relationship aim to keep equipment interoperable with other agencies and locally serviceable.
Details: Staff said 81 sworn officers are on the roster, the packet listed 79 radios assigned, and about 14 units are at or near end of life. The packet and staff said the $50,000 is in the current budget for radios.
