Commissioners clarify oversight for P25 radio committee; approve tower invoices

The Van Zandt County commissioners held a workshop update on the county's P25 radio system and affirmed that the appointed committee will report back to the commissioners' court for any contract change orders or spending decisions.

The committee — which includes the sheriff, the chief deputy, dispatch supervisor, IT staff, two commissioners and an outside consultant — has met once and is working on installation and technical issues. Commissioners emphasized that while the committee will study technical matters and prepare recommendations, "Any change order with the contract comes before the commissioners court," a county official said, and no binding action will be taken by the committee alone.

Commissioner concerns focused on clarity about decision-making and access to the radio system, including encryption and third-party access. The court agreed to hold a monthly workshop line item to update commissioners on progress and to present any proposed contract amendments for formal approval.

Separately, the court authorized payment to Saber Communications for invoices covering construction of tower sites and shelters. County staff said the contractor is substantially complete on four tower sites and presented invoices for the work; the motion to approve payment passed by voice vote.

Committee members said the project remains a high priority given the system's role in disaster communication; one commissioner described the project as roughly a $10 million effort and reiterated the importance of avoiding problems in final implementation.

The court will continue to receive monthly updates from the P25 committee and require formal approval of any spend or contract modifications.