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County tables radio upgrade as costs loom; dispute over county truck prompts executive-session directive
Summary
Chattahoochee County commissioners voted to table a proposed radio upgrade after a Southern Link demonstration raised cost and interoperability questions; later, a dispute over a county truck taken to the sheriff's property led the commission during executive session to direct the sheriff to return a vehicle by noon Friday.
Chattahoochee County commissioners paused a decision on upgrading the county's public-safety radio system after receiving a demonstration and debating costs and interoperability, and they addressed a separate dispute over county vehicles during a Jan. 26 work session.
At the Jan. 6 meeting Mr. Sullivan of Southern Link demonstrated two radio models for the commission and for sheriff's office staff. Commissioners and staff discussed pros and cons, including that the county would likely need to retain existing repeaters and antennas as backups. Commissioner Jason Frost moved to table the radio-upgrade decision pending a revised quote and a called meeting; the motion passed unanimously.
County Manager Thomas Weaver told commissioners at the Jan. 26 work session that Sheriff’s Office leadership prefers higher-end radios (Weaver reported the sheriff asked for a $70,000 unit). Weaver said staff would seek more affordable options, obtain a Motorola quote, pursue public-safety grant opportunities, and explore possible cooperation with Stewart County on repeater access. Commissioner Frost said he supported public-safety needs but was concerned about cost and urged staff to pursue grants and regional cooperation.
Separately, the board discussed county-vehicle practices after staff reported an incident in which a recently purchased truck was taken to the sheriff's residence before county inspection, insurance, and registration were completed. Commissioners agreed a county-vehicle policy is needed to clarify custody, assignment, and the inspection/insurance process; they added the item to the Feb. 3 agenda for formal action.
During the Jan. 26 work session the commission convened an executive session to discuss personnel and legal matters. After the closed session, Chairman Charles Coffey said the closed items fell within legal exceptions and directed the sheriff to return the truck to the county manager's office by noon on the following Friday or to provide the truck promised for trade.
Why this matters: Upgrading radios and resolving vehicle-custody conflicts both affect public-safety response and liability. Commissioners emphasized support for first responders but repeatedly stressed budget constraints and the need to pursue grants and regional partnerships before committing county funds.
