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House Appropriations hears urgent need to replace aging public-safety radios after failures
Summary
Department of Public Safety told the House Appropriations Committee that many mobile and portable radios are at end of life, some have been dialed down to remain operable, and replacing the fleet will cost roughly $4 million. The department requested a $500,000 annual base appropriation, $920,000 one‑time, and anticipates a congressional award.
The Vermont Department of Public Safety told the House Appropriations Committee on Feb. 25 that a number of its mobile and portable radios are at or beyond their useful life and that recent testing found many failing to operational standards.
“We recognized that there was an emergent problem that needed to be dealt with,” Rick Halbeck, director of finance and administration for the Department of Public Safety, told the committee, adding that “the total amount in today's dollars to replace the mobile and portable radios for the Vermont State Police is slightly north of $4,000,000.”
Halbeck said the department is requesting a new $500,000 base appropriation to create a steady replacement cycle, plus $920,000 in one‑time funds to begin replacing the worst units now. He told the committee the department has also applied for and accepted an anticipated congressionally directed spending award of $1,900,000 and expects those funds to be available this fall.
Corey Chase, who leads Radio Technology Services, and department staff reported that some handhelds had to have their output power reduced during maintenance to keep them working. Halbeck said that reduction in transmitter power is “not ideal and could present a safety issue if not addressed.”
Committee members pressed about whether the request should go through the capital bill or be treated as operating / equipment replacement; Halbeck said the department has discussed the options but believes an ongoing base appropriation is needed because replacements will not follow a perfectly even annual schedule.
The committee also heard that the $500,000 base is intended to avoid the recurring “cliff” problem when equipment is replaced only with one‑time infusions; Halbeck described the one‑time $920,000 as a “kick start” to replace the worst radios now and then rely on the base to smooth future replacements.
Proponents said the replacement work ties to interoperability and safety: radios must remain compatible with the statewide land mobile radio network and partners. The department declined to present a rigid year‑by‑year procurement plan, saying technology lifecycles and interoperability needs will shape purchases.
The committee did not take a vote; members asked staff follow‑up questions about grant timing and procurement plans.
