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Murray County accepts emergency management grant and approves radio and equipment purchases
Summary
The board accepted the 2023 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG), approved replacement of a failing bi-directional amplifier for Fulda emergency radio coverage, authorized two stand-up desks for the sheriff’s office and approved per-capita funding for a regional drug task force.
The Murray County Board of Commissioners approved multiple public-safety items Feb. 4, including acceptance of a 2023 Emergency Management Performance Grant and replacement of a failing radio amplifier that staff said is degrading ARMER coverage in Fulda.
Emergency Management Director Carl Nyquist briefed the board that the EMPG covers salary, wages and fringe for positions and is funded through FEMA; the board approved accepting the grant on a motion by Commissioner Roger Zins, seconded by Loy Woelber.
The board also approved replacing a Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA) on the Fulda High School site, following staff testimony that the existing BDA (about 15 years old) is malfunctioning and cannot be repaired. Staff member Heath said an alternate solution—converting the tower to an ARMER ASR site—would cost approximately $250,000, but that replacing the BDA is a lower-cost step to improve in-building and local coverage. The board approved purchasing a new BDA from DSC Communications for $39,806.75 (motion by Mark Carlson, seconded by Jackie Meier).
Separately, the sheriff’s office received approval to buy two stand-up desks for $3,973 from restricted account 01-211-6480 (motion by Loy Woelber, seconded by Roger Zins). The board also approved paying 2025 per-capita funding of $4.50 for the Buffalo Ridge Drug and Violent Crime Task Force (motion by Mark Carlson, seconded by Loy Woelber).
Board discussion recorded the alternatives and costs for improving ARMER coverage; no additional procurement conditions or financing offsets were specified during the meeting.
