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County communications director outlines radio upgrades, says USDA application could bring $3 million
Summary
County communications staff reported progress on radio site upgrades, console replacements and a Spillman server migration, and said a USDA application/award of about $3 million could fund major radio improvements pending federal approvals.
Mike Ford, who presented as representing the county—s public safety communications function, updated the commissioners on several projects including DC power plant installs, radio console replacements and plans for new tower sites.
Ford said two DC/battery power plants are installed at Tonka and McClure and that console upgrades will occupy staff through October. He notified commissioners that the county plans to migrate the Spillman records server to new hardware at an estimated cost of about $70,000 and that staff are pursuing reimbursement of roughly 80 percent through a state grant program.
On federal funding, Ford said the county had been awarded or is seeking USDA funding for radio improvements. "We've been awarded the USDA funds 3,000,000 for the radio improvement project," he said, noting the county must complete federal checklists, easements and environmental reviews (NEPA) before funds can be released. He also described the need for at least one additional easement for the Number Hill site and said design and planning grants could help cover preconstruction work.
Ford described staffing and procurement challenges, and said the county would sequence mobile and portable radio deployments with new vehicle builds. He also identified a tree‑mitigation need where a courthouse tree is encroaching on DOT microwave visibility and said staff would assess mitigation options.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about timelines and easements; staff emphasized design work and environmental compliance will be necessary before construction and USDA release of funds.
