Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Procurement Contracts topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council tables $110,587-per-year 10-year Motorola radio lease after questions on cost and funding
Summary
Council reviewed a revised Motorola quote that would cost roughly $110,586.71 per year over 10 years for police and fire radios; after debate over interest rate, funding source and missing fire equipment, council voted to table the lease for further review and a full cost breakdown.
Councilors debated a revised Motorola quote for a 10-year radio lease for the police and fire departments during the Dec. 9 meeting before tabling the proposal for further review.
Staff reported that an earlier quote omitted several fire items, increasing the cost. The updated 10-year lease was presented at $110,586.71 per year; staff said the $110,000 payment would begin in 2027 and that departments plan to cover payments from their respective budgets. The city administrator, Britt C. Bennis, and procurement staff explained the lease structure and noted prior years’ lease payments and how the new amount would interact with departmental budgets.
Councilor Johnson moved to advance the lease. Councilor Motley asked where payments would come from, and Councilor Paulson raised concerns about the proposed 5.04% interest rate, asking whether the city could negotiate a lower rate or consider using contingency funds to reduce long-term costs. Paulson moved to table the resolution and requested a full breakdown of requested radio equipment, the deputy chief’s justification for quantities, and alternative rate options.
Councilor Paulson: “I think 5.04 percent interest is quite high on that amount, and I would like to negotiate that down.”
City staff said the 2026 payment level would be similar to prior mortgage-style payments and clarified that the larger payment would start in 2027; some councilors asked whether the item should be handled in Committee of the Whole with additional negotiation. The motion to table for further analysis and a full line-item breakdown passed on roll call.
Because the council tabled the item, no final contract was approved. Staff were directed to provide a cost breakdown, justification for quantities requested by the deputy chief, and potential alternatives for funding or different financing terms. Councilors indicated they may revisit the lease at the next Committee of the Whole before any final council action.
