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Public Safety Commission asks county to consider funding for vehicle radios; commissioners weigh 911 fund and grants
Summary
Michael B. Lun updated commissioners on the sheriff’s request for three new vehicle radios, review of trade-in options, and possible funding sources including the 911/public-safety levy and Stone Garden grants; commissioners requested coordination among agencies before committing funds.
Michael B. Lun, representing the Public Safety Commission, briefed Daniels County commissioners Feb. 17 on communications equipment requests from the sheriff’s office and related funding options.
Lun presented summary materials and quotes for vehicle radios and associated hardware. Per the discussion, unit prices for certain newer radios are high; the group discussed whether old radios could be upgraded, traded in to vendors such as Red Tail, or sold to other county entities. Commissioners and staff debated potential funding sources — the 911/public-safety levy, the county’s mill levy account, or outside grant programs such as Stone Garden — and whether the radios needed to be 'trunkable' for broader interoperability.
Commissioners recommended that the sheriff and representatives from fire and ambulance meet to prioritize needs and determine how many trunkable radios are required across agencies. Lun and staff were asked to investigate Stone Garden grant eligibility and to return with a coordinated equipment plan and cost allocation before the board commits county funds.
No final purchase or funding allocation was recorded at the meeting; commissioners signaled willingness to consider using 911 funds for equipment if appropriate, but asked staff to compile a multi-agency recommendation.
