Fiscal Court approves EMS radio purchase using state grant, adds gang charger after amendment

Spencer County Fiscal Court on July 7 approved using a state EMS grant to purchase portable radio equipment and later amended the purchase to include a multi-unit charger.

An EMS representative told the court the county received $9,811 from the state to buy nine portable radios and one pager; the department requested the court’s authorization to accept and spend the grant and to begin replacing radios the EMS director described as increasingly unrepairable. The court initially voted to approve purchase of the radios and pager on a motion by Mike, seconded by Will; the motion passed by voice vote.

During discussion, members asked about the life span of existing radios, how many front-line responders each device serves and how the new radios would be rotated into active service. The EMS representative explained that several older models are becoming impossible to repair because parts are no longer available, and the agency is currently mixing newer and older radios in service.

A magistrate moved to amend the purchase to add a gang charger for $899 so multiple radios can be charged and rotated more efficiently; another magistrate seconded the amendment. The amendment passed by voice vote. The final motion, as amended, authorizes spending the $9,811 grant to purchase nine portable radios and one pager and to also purchase a gang charger for $899.

Court members discussed future replacement plans and the possibility of buying additional radios later if grant funding or budget allows; the EMS representative said the agency will continue to seek grants and bring future requests to the court as needed.