Supervisors press for audit as board approves Motorola agreement for 800 MHz radio upgrades

County leaders approved an agreement with Motorola to replace obsolete 800 MHz radio equipment, and board members pressed for an independent audit of the multiagency communications program.

Dave Fonta of the Sheriff's Office Communications and Technology Division praised the countywide radio system as a major public‑safety enhancement but said the board had valid concerns about sole‑source contracting and costs per unit. He told the board the last independent audit took place at the closeout of the project (circa 2002) and that the governing body was preparing a financial reconciliation.

"My only remaining concern right now... is that as we're starting to close out... the 20 years of the implementation... My understanding is the last time somebody told me the last time it was audited was 2002," Fonta said, urging independent verification of costs and governance. County staff said the governing board would present a reconciliation to its quarterly meeting and discuss whether to retain an outside auditor to confirm the findings.

County staff and the sheriff's office indicated the auditor‑controller’s office has capacity to undertake a cost study and that the county’s internal processes or an outside independent audit could be used. Supervisors asked staff to coordinate a clear plan for review and report back.

The board voted to receive the report and approved the recommended actions for the Motorola agreement; staff said they would report back on the reconciliation process and any requested external audit.