Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Radio topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission hears demonstration of upgraded radios, tables decision pending quotes and grants
Summary
Commissioners viewed a Southern Link demonstration of two radio models, were told the county would still need repeaters/antennas, and agreed to table a purchase while staff seeks revised quotes and public-safety grants; Sheriff reportedly prefers a $70,000 high-end radio.
Commissioners heard a demonstration and cost/feature discussion Jan. 6 from Mr. Sullivan of Southern Link about two radio models being considered for the county's public-safety radio system. The sheriff and Chief Deputy Williamson attended the demonstration.
County Manager Thomas Weaver told the board that, among neighboring counties, only Muscogee County uses the higher-end radios identified in the vendor presentation and said the county would still need to maintain repeaters and antennas as backup even if it bought the new radios. Mr. Weaver also said he would seek a quote from Motorola and look for public-safety grants or regional partnerships to offset costs.
Commissioner Jason Frost said he supports aiding the sheriff but emphasized the county must be mindful of costs and suggested exploring grants and cooperation with Stewart County on repeaters. Frost moved to table the radio upgrade until the commission received a revised quote and could hold a called meeting at the next work session; Commissioner Timothy Biddle seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Why it matters: The radio upgrade touches public-safety communications and county budget priorities. Commissioners want reliable radio coverage but expressed concern about how to pay for an upgrade and whether smaller counties need or can afford higher-end systems.
Cost signals and procurement context: The minutes record the sheriff’s preference for a ‘‘high dollar’’ radio priced at about $70,000. Vendor evaluation materials attached to the minutes also compare engineering and procurement fees for unrelated grant projects (see separate article on engineer selections). The commission asked staff to pursue grant funding and to obtain additional vendor quotes, including from Motorola.
Next steps: The board tabled action pending a revised quote and potential grant options, and directed the County Manager to continue outreach to vendors and neighboring counties about repeater cooperation. No procurement contract or appropriation was approved at the Jan. 6 or Jan. 26 meetings.
