Spencer County approves $21,101.67 radio purchase after dispute over used equipment
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Summary
After disputes over used radios and a proposed return to the vendor, the Spencer County Fiscal Court voted to buy replacement radio equipment from a state-contract vendor for $21,101.67, approving the purchase 3–2 with one abstention.
Judge John Riley and county magistrates voted to buy replacement radio equipment from J&N Electronics for $21,101.67 after an extended debate about previously purchased used radios and whether the county should return them to the original vendor.
The purchase followed a review of P-25 radio equipment that the court had earlier agreed to return to Sunny Communications. Riley said staff tested handheld units and found they were acceptable for county use, and that keeping those handhelds produced "a savings of $16,408.80." He told the court he had a state-contract quote from J&N Electronics totaling $21,101.67 and recommended purchasing under the state contract.
Esq. Beaverson pressed for clarity on the repeater’s condition; Riley said the repeater "was in good condition," while Sheriff Scott Herndon noted it had not been installed and therefore its operation could not yet be verified. Nathan Nation, representing local fire radio interests, outlined system-frequency history and coverage considerations and recommended aligning county agencies on compatible equipment.
The Spencer County 911 Committee sent a letter urging the county to keep the P-25 repeater and to replace portable and mobile radios using state contract pricing. The committee wrote that buying new radios "would be a great investment in public safety for the future" and urged coordinated channels among law, EMS and fire responders.
After discussion over warranty terms, prior testing delays, and the financial tradeoffs of returning versus keeping used units, a motion by Esq. Beaverson, seconded by Judge Riley, passed to approve the $21,101.67 purchase from J&N Electronics (state contract). The vote: Beaverson, Judge Riley and Esq. Travis voted "aye"; Esq. J. Moody and Esq. M. Moody voted "nay"; Esq. Brewer abstained.
The county also has a letter from Judge Riley to Sunny Communications stating the county would return ten TK-5710 mobile units and cancel the back order, while noting interest in future purchases of TK-5210 handhelds. The court did not further authorize installation or testing of the repeater at the meeting; Sheriff Herndon said testing had not yet occurred.