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Chattahoochee County tables upgrade of public-safety radios over cost, seeks grants and quotes
Summary
Commissioners heard a demonstration of two radio systems from Southern Link, expressed support for improved public-safety communications but raised concerns about cost and funding, and voted unanimously to table the purchase pending a revised quote and further discussion at a called meeting.
A demonstration of two public-safety radio systems by Southern Link prompted Chattahoochee County commissioners to pause a proposed equipment purchase on Jan. 6 and seek more information about costs and funding options. The demonstration included the sheriff and Chief Deputy Williamson; Commissioners and staff agreed improving radio reliability mattered but questioned price and long-term costs.
"We should work with the sheriff and help him with the radios, but the biggest concern is where the money is going to come from," Commissioner Jason Frost said during the Jan. 6 meeting. County Manager Thomas Weaver said the county would seek additional quotes, including from Motorola, and pursue grant opportunities to offset costs.
The sheriff reportedly prefers a high-end package priced at roughly $70,000; Weaver and Commissioners said that would be difficult for a small county budget to absorb and that any new system would still require repeaters and backup antennas. Commissioners and staff discussed the possibility of sharing repeater access with neighboring Stewart County and applying for public-safety grants to reduce local expense.
On a unanimous vote, Commissioner Frost moved to table the radio-purchase decision until the vendor provides a revised written quote and the Commission can meet again at a called work session to review options and possible funding sources. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Timothy Biddle and carried without dissent.
The item is expected to return to the Commission with updated cost estimates, grant-search results, and any revised vendor proposals. The Commission reiterated that any procurement must account for local maintenance, necessary backup repeaters and antennas, and affordability for county finances.
