Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Communications topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Owen County council authorizes staff to seek grants for radio subscriber units as vendor work begins
Summary
County staff said the radio vendor was given notice to proceed on system work; commissioners authorized staff to seek grant funding to buy subscriber radios, with estimated additional need around $300,000 versus a $150,000 budgeted line.
County staff reported that the radio vendor has been given notice to proceed and has started ordering parts for a system upgrade. Officials said the capital project budget includes $150,000 for subscriber radios (the handheld and mobile units that connect to the system), but initial counts of department needs indicate a likely shortfall: estimates to equip all fire departments with radios capable of the new system could run a little over $300,000.
At the meeting the county authorized the public-safety technology lead to pursue grant funding to cover the shortfall, and the council voted to give that staff member permission to move forward. The county discussed potential trade-in allowances from the vendor (the vendor would accept only one old radio per new radio as trade-in) and said staff will meet with the vendor to refine numbers. Presenters said they will pursue grant opportunities rather than ask the council for the full additional amount at this time.
Action: a motion to authorize staff (Chris) to pursue grant funding for subscriber radios was made and seconded; commissioners voted in favor and the motion carried. Officials said they will return with further details, potential grant awards and any additional appropriation requests.
