Vendor outlines $7.8 million infrastructure plan and $4.7 million radio replacement option for Black Hawk County communications system

Black Hawk County officials heard from Raycom representatives at a March special session about the long-term costs to maintain and replace the county's P25 radio and 911 dispatch infrastructure. Raycom said many components of the county's radio and dispatch system are at or nearing manufacturer end-of-life and recommended planning now to avoid sudden reliability gaps.

Mike Hawkins, the Raycom presenter, told the oversight board that the company has provided technology and support to the county for decades and that the vendor monitors the county's radio and 911 systems 24 hours a day. "We're here to talk about the long-term maintenance for your two-way radio system," Hawkins said, outlining the vendor's proposed program to budget for phased replacements.

The county currently has a maintenance contract that Hawkins said costs about $490,000 a year and escalates roughly 3% annually; that agreement runs through 2028. Hawkins explained that maintenance agreements extend manufacturer…