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Commission approves consultant study for countywide radio upgrade; funds phase 1 from jail sales tax
Summary
After a presentation showing officer-safety gaps and interoperability needs, commissioners approved funding for the first phase of a countywide radio modernization feasibility study (AES-256 encryption compliance) from jail sales tax funds.
Bourbon County commissioners approved funding Sept. 15 for the first phase of a countywide radio communications study and initial procurement steps to help the county meet Department of Justice and FBI security requirements.
Sheriff’s office leaders presented footage from a January 2024 incident in which a deputy slipped and was incapacitated; officials used the example to highlight gaps in the county’s current radio system and to explain safety and encryption requirements now mandated under CJIS/FBI guidance. The sheriff said the project will include public-safety agencies across the county — the sheriff’s office, Fort Scott Police Department, EMS and rural fire departments — and would move the county to modern, encrypted radio communications.
The commission heard proposals from consultants; the sheriff’s group recommended TUSA (listed in the meeting as "Tusa/Tusa Consulting Services") to perform a three-phase engagement: (1) a site assessment and needs analysis with stakeholder interviews, (2) development and management of an RFP process for vendors, and (3) oversight of procurement and installation (punch-list testing and acceptance). The sheriff said early work (phase 1) would analyze coverage and security and prepare the RFP; phase 2 would run vendor solicitation and evaluation; phase 3 would oversee installation and final acceptance. A rough, project-level estimate for later equipment/installation work could reach multi-million-dollar scale depending on final design.
Commission discussion focused on funding options and long-term cost; commissioners and a county finance representative said the jail sales tax fund has reserves and could be a source for the initial consultant work. After debate, the board voted to fund phase 1 (the needs assessment and initial RFP work) in the amount of $32,680 and to pay the amount from the jail sales tax fund. Commissioners said they expect TUSA to return with a timeline and with financial breakdowns for later phases that will require separate approvals.
The sheriff’s office and county staff committed to follow up with a more detailed schedule, and the consultant will meet with county leaders to present the findings when phase 1 is complete.
The action authorizes a study and RFP preparation but does not purchase radios or infrastructure; those later purchases will require separate procurement and funding decisions.
