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Marshall County hears proposal for countywide digital radio system; estimated one-time cost ~$300,000
Summary
A vendor presented a four‑site Kenwood NextEdge digital radio plan for county highway use, citing improved mobile and handheld coverage, a three‑year warranty and optional GPS tracking; commissioners asked about procurement rules and financing and agreed to study the proposal further.
Adam Hurley, representing J and K Communications, told Marshall County commissioners that the county's highway radios are on an aging analog system and recommended a four‑site Kenwood NextEdge digital upgrade to improve clarity and countywide coverage. “Digital's the future,” Hurley said, noting the system would provide clearer audio for mobiles and handhelds and display the speaker’s name on the radio unit. He described a conservative coverage map and said the package as presented — including 55 mobile units, 8 remotes and 8 handhelds — would run about $300,000 one time.
The vendor explained additional options: GPS/location software that Hurley estimated at roughly $5,000–$6,000 plus about $50 per truck for an antenna, and a standard three‑year parts and service warranty. He said the NextEdge installations he had overseen elsewhere had performed well. “When it was brought to me that you guys needed help with your radio coverage … we put together a plan,” Hurley said, and added that the quoted equipment is current generation and expected to remain serviceable for many years.
Highway staff described recent operational problems that motivated the review, including failed radio transmissions during storm responses that forced relay by cellphone. “The biggest issue is being able to transmit to one another,” Jason (Highway Department representative) said, recounting instances when crews could not reach each other on radios during emergency work.
Commissioners pressed on procurement and budget implications. The county attorney advised he would check procurement thresholds but said a lease option could change the bid requirements; Hurley confirmed lease and deferred‑payment options are available. Commissioners agreed the proposal should be considered alongside the highway's five‑year equipment plan and other anticipated technology expenses before any formal commitment or bidding process.
No contract was approved at the meeting; commissioners directed staff to research procurement rules, financing options and budget fits and to bring more detailed cost breakdowns back for consideration.
