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Commission approves TACN participation, radio purchases and surplus disposals for communications
Summary
Commissioners approved participation in the Tennessee Advanced Communications Network (TACN), authorized radio purchases using restricted Title III funds and approved surplus-asset disposals for communications and sheriff's office equipment.
The Carter County Commission voted June 16 to participate in the Tennessee Advanced Communications Network (TACN) and approve a series of communications-related procurement and surplus-disposal items.
The Financial Management Committee recommended — and the commission approved (motion by Brad Johnson; second Lesley Hughes) — the TACN participation grant contract required for the proposed new radio system. The contract (included in the meeting packet) describes participation in the P25 standards-based TACN operated by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security; it requires procuring-party equipment compatibility, establishes responsibilities for local infrastructure and notes a possible user fee (example shown: $200 per radio per year) subject to appropriation. The contract term begins June 20, 2025, and runs through Dec. 31, 2028, per the packet.
Separately, the Budget Committee approved using restricted Title III funds to purchase dual-band radios for sheriff vehicles and the volunteer fire association (motion by Robert Acuff; second Todd Smith; 20 yes).
The commission also approved several surplus-asset disposal motions for equipment and vehicles to be sold on GovDeals and a transfer of surplus property from Circuit Court to the Carter County Sheriff's Department. One disposal motion passed 18-2; other disposals carried by voice/electronic vote as recorded in the packet.
Why it matters: the TACN contract and radio purchases are intended to upgrade county emergency communications and interoperate with statewide public-safety radio infrastructure. The contract lays out equipment approval, maintenance responsibilities and a state oversight role for airtime availability and public-safety priorities.
Next steps: county staff will proceed with equipment procurement consistent with TACN compatibility requirements and complete surplus-asset processing per the commission's direction.
