Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Dispatch topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Mills County accepts $190,000 grant for replacement 911 dispatch console
Summary
On Feb. 3 the Mills County Commissioners Court voted to accept a $190,000 award from the Central Texas Council of Governments to replace the county’s aging 911 dispatch console; officials said the current console has been repeatedly repaired with scavenged parts and the county will sign an MOU to complete the purchase.
On Feb. 3 the Mills County Commissioners Court voted to accept a $190,000 award from the Central Texas Council of Governments to purchase a replacement emergency dispatch console for the county’s 911 operations.
The resolution, read into the record by the court, says the award comes through the fiscal year 2025 Statewide Emergency Radio Infrastructure funds administered by the Office of the Governor and that award availability is subject to the availability of appropriate state funds and any legal modifications. The resolution also states Mills County will accept the award, maintain the equipment, and would not be eligible to apply for future console funding from this source.
The funding matter drew attention from the county’s law-enforcement leadership and commissioners because the current console has required repeated, temporary repairs. Sheriff (name not specified in the record) described past repairs as improvised: “the last time that we repaired this thing, it was some parts that we got off eBay because nothing is any longer manufactured for that thing.” The need to replace the console was presented as a public-safety priority.
Commissioner Williams moved to approve the resolution and Commissioner Head seconded. The court approved the resolution by voice vote.
Court members and staff said the county will complete a memorandum of understanding requested by Central Texas COG staff (Jess Hennessy was named in the discussion) and gather an inventory of radios and related equipment before purchase. Officials also warned that, even after this purchase, further upgrades or lease costs could appear in future budget cycles.
Mills County’s acceptance of the $190,000 award follows broader state-level disbursements of 911-related funds discussed during the meeting. County speakers said some 911 fees collected on utility bills have been the subject of recent legislative and administrative changes and that some previously withheld funds are now being released through COGs and the governor’s office.
Next steps recorded in the meeting: county staff will complete the required MOU paperwork referenced by Central Texas COG, confirm the exact console and radio counts, and proceed with purchasing and maintenance arrangements under the award terms.
