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Council approves partial funding for MedStar radios after debate on timing and budget
Summary
Brandon City Council voted to buy four upgraded radios for MedStar at $4,200 each to meet a state-mandated switch to LTE-capable equipment; councilmembers debated whether the expense should be in the current budget or covered later and agreed to fund four now with the possibility of buying additional units next year.
The Brandon City Council agreed to fund four upgraded handheld radios for MedStar at $4,200 apiece to support a state-directed migration to equipment that improves in-building coverage.
Brian and MedStar representatives explained that the new radios switch automatically from traditional radio frequency to an LTE-style connection to maintain communications inside buildings such as schools and large steel-constructed structures. Staff said MedStar initially requested six radios at $4,200 each but advised the council they could manage for now with four units.
Council discussion centered on budget timing: several councilmembers said they prefer requests to be made before the budget is finalized so the council can plan ahead, while others argued public-safety needs justify a mid-year purchase. One councilmember noted private ambulance services that operate 911 runs often do not profit on those calls and may need outside support for capital upgrades.
A motion to approve funding for four radios passed; councilmembers asked staff to consider funding the additional two radios in next year's budget. Staff also noted the council has plans to phase upgraded radios for police department handhelds across two to three years.
The council recorded approval of the four radios and the related budget movement as part of contingency and ordinance discussions later in the meeting. No specific vendor contract language or delivery schedule was recorded during the meeting; staff said orders had been discussed with vendors earlier in the year.
