County radio upgrade nearing late‑summer completion; $469,625 surplus reported

Captain Tim Kemp, speaking for the Sheriff's Office radio committee, told the Public Safety Committee the county's radio upgrade has moved core paging onto the new system but reprogramming and capacity work continue. A weather‑related microwave outage affected Hartford for under 24 hours and crews repaired the issue; the system currently runs three channels with a fourth to be added for capacity.

Kemp said microphone production problems were identified and 143 units have been shipped; he said the county requested additional periodic shipments to keep deployment moving. Equipment removal from two retired lease towers proceeded to meet wildlife timing requirements, and final testing is expected in July with realistic project completion in late summer.

On finances, Kemp said a $17.3 million budget set in 2022 began with larger amounts and now shows roughly $2.5 million remaining. He listed key holds: a $1.3 million final payment to Raycom, consulting and management fees, and a proposed $650,000 contingency for coverage gaps and additional repeaters. After accounting for an arbitration penalty and proceeds from a building sale, he reported an estimated surplus of $469,625.

Committee members asked when contingency use will be known; Kemp said the county should have a clearer picture by project completion this summer. The committee did not take a vote; the report was informational and will feed subsequent budget oversight work.