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Chattahoochee County commissioners weigh radio upgrade after sheriff pushes for high‑end units; vehicle-use dispute leads to return deadline
Summary
Commissioners heard a demonstration of radios and agreed to delay an upgrade pending revised quotes while the sheriff insists on high‑end radios; an unrelated dispute over a newly purchased county truck prompted a directive to return the vehicle by noon Friday following an executive-session discussion.
Commissioners in Chattahoochee County on Jan. 6 and Jan. 26 discussed a proposed upgrade to the county’s public-safety radio system but voted to delay any purchase until they receive a revised quote and consider funding options.
At the Jan. 6 regular meeting, Mr. Sullivan of Southern Link demonstrated two radio models and explained trade-offs; County Manager Thomas Weaver asked if neighboring counties used the higher-end models, and commissioners repeatedly noted that repeaters and antennas would still be required as backups. Commissioner Jason Frost said the county should support the sheriff’s equipment needs but expressed concern about where funding would come from and asked staff to pursue grants and examine cooperation with neighboring Stewart County on repeaters. The board voted unanimously to table the radio upgrade and revisit it after a revised quote.
The topic resurfaced in the Jan. 26 work session when Weaver reported that the sheriff "has no interest in upgrading if he can't get the better of the better radios" and that the sheriff had requested radios costing about $70,000 each. Chairman Charles Coffey disputed a newspaper report that surrounding counties already use the high-end radios and said the county should seek more affordable options and grant support. Weaver said he would request quotes from Motorola and pursue public-safety grants.
The meetings also included a separate but related dispute over county vehicles. Weaver reported that a county truck purchased and outfitted for county use was taken and was sitting at the sheriff’s residence; the vehicle had not been inspected, plated, or insured in county records. After an executive session on personnel and legal matters, Chairman Coffey said the sheriff was ordered to return either the truck or the vehicle promised in trade by noon Friday. Commissioners told staff they want a formal vehicle policy that clarifies ownership, assignment, and inspection procedures.
No formal procurement or purchase was approved for the radio upgrade during these meetings. Commissioners said they will continue to explore grants and alternatives and will bring revised quotes and policy drafts back for consideration at a future work session.
