New radio equipment switched on at county tower sites; officials say service nearly complete

Johnson County officials reported that new radio equipment across three county tower sites has been activated and is operating, restoring law-enforcement and fire communications while final testing and radio reprogramming continue.

At a regular meeting, a project presenter identified as Nick said the county "flipped on the new equipment" and that the system has been in live testing since the switch-on, with law-enforcement units already using the southern Hartman Tower site. He said the work covers all three tower sites and that only minor tasks remain, including reprogramming radios and setting up a remote login for OEM staff to speed troubleshooting.

The county team credited county staff member Clay with designing the backhaul network that supported the project. "Clay designed that what we call the backhaul network himself and ... really saved the county ... probably an extra $200,000," Nick said, describing the in-house work as a major cost saving. Nick said final bills for the project are expected in July or August and that crews will finish surface and parking work where needed.

Officials said radios used by fire districts and law enforcement still require reprogramming before the system is considered fully complete, and that the project team planned to confirm final settings and connections on site.

The presenter described next steps as primarily technical wrap-up: field verification, remote-access configuration for rapid support, and completion of any remaining punch-list items. No formal action was recorded on the project during the meeting; staff said they will report back as outstanding items are finalized.