Council approves 10‑year Motorola lease so police and fire can replace aging encrypted radios

Virginia City council approved a 10‑year lease agreement with Motorola Solutions to replace aging police and fire radios after department leaders warned current units are at end of life and replacement parts are limited.

Chiefs from both departments testified that some legacy radios are functional but failing (broken housings, worn batteries and discontinued parts), and that the armored/state radio system requires compatible encrypted units for safe inter‑agency operations. Assistant Chief Jonison described a lightning strike at a fire station that destroyed equipment and underscored the operational reliance on radio communications.

Motorola's proposed package totaled roughly $718,648, to be financed over 10 years; staff reported an annual combined payment of about $93,249.17 — an increase of approximately $55,249.17 per year over current combined radio costs. Finance Director Megan said the new payment would be budgeted for 2027 and noted other leases will roll off the debt schedule in 2026, partially offsetting the new payment burden.

Council debated grant possibilities and the timing of the first payment (Motorola offered the first lease payment to be deferred until 2027). Councilors who prioritized officer and firefighter safety supported the lease, while others emphasized budget pressure and the city's current spending freeze. Ultimately the council adopted the resolution to enter the 10‑year lease after finding the procurement consistent with public‑safety needs.

Chief Matson said the new radios are not a luxury: “When those radios quit working, that is our main communication line through dispatch. That’s how we are dispatched to calls.” Council asked staff to include the lease payment in the 2027 budget and to continue seeking grant opportunities to reduce the net cost.