Davidson County moves to replace aging 9‑1‑1 consoles and buy new mobile radios after vendor discount and $1M state aid

County staff told commissioners on March 23 that the county’s 9‑1‑1 consoles and many radios are past their lifecycle and should be replaced to maintain emergency communications.

Rob Wilson explained the consoles were included in the capital plan at about $3.3 million and that Motorola offered a vendor discount; the state also pledged approximately $1 million toward consoles eligible for 9‑1‑1 funds. Moving an out‑year radio replacement forward would capture further savings: staff proposed buying 92 mobile radios now for about $1.2 million and returning next year for portables.

Wilson said the combined total of the consoles and the mobiles after discounts and the state contribution is about $3.07–$3.08 million. He described trade‑in/disposition arrangements with Motorola and noted older portables may no longer have parts available.

Commissioners asked about expected lifespans and disposition of old equipment; staff said radios bought in 2019 were older models and the new units should provide roughly 10 years of service depending on parts availability. A commissioner moved to approve the purchases and the board approved by voice vote.

Staff said the purchase uses the vendor discount, trade‑in policy and the state contribution to reduce overall cost. Portables will be addressed in a future procurement cycle.