East Grand Forks police request replacement of in-car radios; budgeted funds expected to cover cost

Police Chief Headland told the City Council on Aug. 12 that East Grand Forks’ in-car (mobile) police radios have reached the end of their service life and should be replaced this year.

“We’re replacing the mobiles, the squad cars,” Chief Headland said, explaining that portables were replaced last year and next year the dispatch center radios will be scheduled for replacement. He said the department’s radios are no longer being serviced by the manufacturer and that the replacements are necessary to keep the department operational.

Headland said the cost for the radios themselves is “just a little bit over 46,000,” and that the capital improvements budget includes $55,000, which should cover the radios plus installation costs. “We have 55,000 budgeted in capital improvements and the installation cost will be above that 46 but it should be well below that total 55,000 that we have budgeted,” he said.

Councilmember Mr. Pavinsky asked about expected service life. “What's the service life on them specifically?” he asked. Headland said he believes the service life is about “8 to nine years” but offered to confirm with the manufacturer.

Council members did not raise further questions and the item was taken under consideration for funding through the department’s capital improvements allocation.

Next steps: staff will confirm the precise service-life estimate with the manufacturer and return with any final purchase details or contract language needed for formal approval at a future council meeting.