Court approves $204,046 for P25 radio system and several EMS personnel and pay changes

The Spencer County Fiscal Court on July 21 approved a $204,046 VEI Communications contract to upgrade county and partner public-safety radios to P25 systems and approved an accompanying memorandum of understanding among county, city and fire partners, subject to attorney review.

TSCFD Chief Nathan Nation presented an extended history of the system and the need for improved communications, noting storm response and interoperability concerns. "The city, the county and the Fire Department are all equal participants and partners," Chief Nation said while describing years of coordination and planning.

The court approved the VEI Communications bid and authorized the MOU contingent on any necessary attorney changes; the motion passed on a unanimous voice vote of members present.

The court also approved two EMS part-time hires recommended by EMS official Robert Kinglesmith: Josh Damell (part-time paramedic at $19.12/hour) and Steve Legge (part-time AEMT at $17.62/hour), pending hiring requirements. The votes on hires were unanimous.

Separately the court approved the Jailer’s request to increase 'sit time' pay — compensation for deputies who sit with inmates at hospitals — from $10 to $15 per hour following a motion by Magistrate Stump and second by Magistrate Travis; the voice vote was unanimous.

The radio contract, equipment list and several warranty items were discussed in detail at the meeting; the court directed staff to finalize the MOU and to confirm warranty and maintenance terms with the city and vendor before final execution of any agreement.