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County approves Motorola change order for dispatch tower study; 800 MHz cutover expected late July'early August
Summary
The board authorized a Motorola Solutions change order to fund a structural analysis and foundation study for a dispatch tower to support additional antennas as part of the county's emergency communications plan; the measure passed 5-0. Staff reported the 800 MHz system is nearing cutover, with tower and microwave work underway and training scheduled for fire departments.
The Hillsdale County Board of Commissioners voted to authorize the Central Dispatch Director to sign a Motorola Solutions change order to conduct a structural analysis and foundation study of a radio tower behind the dispatch center. The analysis is intended to confirm whether the tower can support additional antennas planned as part of the county's emergency communications ("storm") plan. The board approved the change order on a roll-call vote, 5-0.
Central Dispatch staff explained the study will determine whether the front (short) tower can bear the load of new VHF/UHF and 800-MHz antennas or whether alternatives (removing some existing antennas, remediating the tower, or installing roof-mounts) would be necessary. The director said attaching antennas to the roof is undesirable because of maintenance and leak risks and long-term cost.
Funding and cost: staff reported change order #4 and said bond proceeds remain available to cover the cost; the staff presentation described prior change orders totaling roughly $226,000 and this change order as approximately $20,000.
Program status and timeline: dispatch staff reported towers are physically constructed and microwave work has been underway. The team has been aligning dishes and beginning alarm/monitoring configuration; radios were delivered and are being programmed. Police agencies have already transitioned to the 800 MHz system; fire departments are scheduled for training over the coming weeks. Staff said the vendor aims to finish alignment and testing and that a full cutover is expected in late July to early August.
Why it matters: The structural analysis and subsequent work are part of a larger multi-agency migration to an 800 MHz system intended to improve interoperability and resilience for emergency responders. The board voted to proceed with the study to avoid longer-term costs associated with ad hoc roof-mounted solutions.
What the meeting recorded: The action passed 5-0 by roll call. Commissioners asked for the written structural analysis once it is complete; staff said the vendor would begin once the change order is signed and that the report should arrive within a few weeks.
