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Kern County communications technicians say retention crisis threatens public‑safety radio work
Summary
Senior communications technicians told the Kern County Board of Supervisors they are losing experienced staff and asked the board to direct human resources to address pay and retention as the county implements a $130 million upgrade to its public‑safety radio system.
Technicians who maintain Kern County’s public‑safety radio network told the Board of Supervisors on March 10 that staffing losses are jeopardizing operations and the county’s large radio upgrade.
Jonah Tilton, a senior communications technician with 12 years on the job, said his seven‑person team is responsible for installing and maintaining equipment across one of California’s largest counties and for safeguarding “over a $130,000,000 invested in the county's radio network.” He said the county has lost three senior technicians in recent years to higher pay elsewhere and asked the board to "direct human resources to partner with us to address the retention and ensure compensation reflects the expertise and responsibility that this role demands." (Jonah Tilton)
Jake Hoffman, another communications technician, told supervisors the county approved a $130,000,000 upgrade that will require staff to implement and maintain complex new systems, and that without competitive pay the county risks losing the institutional knowledge needed to keep first responders on the air. Julian Sanchez, a senior communications technician, echoed the request and emphasized the long learning curve for new hires.
Board members did not take immediate formal action during the meeting. Clerks noted the comments and the clerk indicated staff would review the request; county staff later said they would refer the matter to the CAO’s office and human resources for follow‑up. The technicians urged a partnership with HR to identify compensation steps that would allow the county to recruit and retain qualified technicians.
Why it matters: The technicians maintain radios and remote infrastructure that first responders rely on during emergencies. Technicians warned that losing experienced staff would slow upgrades, hinder preventive maintenance, and increase risk to public safety until replacements are fully trained.
What’s next: The speakers asked for a formal HR response and for the board to direct staff; the board indicated staff would follow up, but no vote or directive was recorded on March 10.
