Council hears $750,000 request to upgrade radios so fire and ambulance can use state 'Wild Link' system

Council discussion turned to emergency communications and equipment funding needs after routine agenda items. The Chair described a proposal to use impact funds to replace more than 70 pieces of equipment across the fire and ambulance services and said the estimated cost to replace handheld radios and other units is $750,000.

"It's a lot of money," the Chair said, noting that the request is substantial but aimed at ensuring that responders can communicate and remain safe. The Chair also said new fire apparatus are expensive and can have long delivery lead times: "they're 3 or 4 years out if you wanna order a fire truck," a point raised to underline the urgency of planning ahead for equipment needs.

The Chair explained the state had installed a system called 'Wild Link' and recently added towers that have improved coverage in southwest Wyoming; Sweetwater County and Lincoln County have already migrated to the system, and the sheriff's office has switched over. Local fire and ambulance radios must therefore be capable of operating on Wild Link to maintain interoperability.

Council members acknowledged the scale of the funding request but did not record a formal decision in the transcript. Staff and the Chair discussed exploring impact funds and coordinating with county officials and commissioners to identify funding options.

The meeting record shows interest in addressing interoperability and safety but does not document whether the council approved new funding or directed staff to a specific next step.