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Chattahoochee County tables public-safety radio upgrade amid cost concerns, seeks grants and quotes
Summary
After a demonstration of radio options, commissioners unanimously moved to table a proposed radio upgrade until they receive revised quotes and explore grant funding; the county manager said the sheriff prefers a $70,000 high-end radio but commissioners signaled concern about paying that amount and want options to share repeaters and seek grants.
Chattahoochee County commissioners voted unanimously on Jan. 6 to table a proposal to upgrade the county’s public-safety radio system after a vendor demonstration and debate over funding.
Mr. Sullivan of Southern Link demonstrated two radio models for the board, with the sheriff and Chief Deputy Williamson in attendance. County Manager Thomas Weaver said the sheriff prefers a higher-end radio reportedly priced at about $70,000. Commissioners raised concerns about how an upgrade would be paid for and whether the fire department could be included in any purchase. Commissioner Jason Frost moved to table the item and ask for a revised quote; the motion passed unanimously.
Why it matters: The county’s radios are central to emergency response and interoperability. County officials said repeaters and antennas would still be needed as backup regardless of the radio model chosen, and commissioners asked staff to look for grants and to seek additional vendor quotes, including from Motorola, so the county can compare pricing.
County Manager Thomas Weaver said he would pursue public-safety grant opportunities and contact neighboring jurisdictions about shared repeater options, including discussions with Stewart County. Chairman Charles Coffey said surrounding counties were not uniformly using the higher-cost radios and cautioned prudence for a small county with constrained resources.
What’s next: The board asked staff to obtain revised quotes and to include the radio upgrade on the next work-session agenda for further consideration.
