Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Radio Grant topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Dunn County committee approves budget amendment to buy countywide radios after $2.4 million award
Summary
The Dunn County Judiciary and Law Committee approved a budget amendment to implement a $2.4 million radio grant to replace aging radios for fire, EMS and law enforcement; the state will reimburse about $1.4 million, leaving Dunn County with an estimated $150,000 net share and some municipalities on three-year payment plans.
The Dunn County Judiciary and Law Committee approved a budget amendment to implement a $2.4 million radio grant intended to modernize radios used by county law enforcement, fire and emergency medical services.
Emergency management staff told the committee the state awarded the $2.4 million project and will reimburse Dunn County roughly $1.4 million for eligible costs. "We will receive um a check from the state of Wisconsin um which will reimburse Dun County for I believe it is what was it 1 $1.4 million," the emergency management speaker said, adding that municipalities and other agencies will pay their share to Dunn County once radios are delivered.
Why it matters: County officials said many local radios are 10 to 20 years old and not compliant with current standards. Replacing them will improve interoperability among agencies that respond across municipal boundaries.
How the financing works: The purchase will be made up front by Dunn County, which will then seek reimbursement from the state and payment from participating municipalities. Committee discussion said the county’s final net share is projected to be roughly $150,000 from already budgeted funds; the transcript records a remaining municipal balance of $80,000 that some smaller towns may pay over three years.
Details and equipment: Emergency management described a large volume purchase — more than 100 radios for first responders — and said equipment discounts negotiated with vendors will substantially reduce list prices. "Mobile radio list price is $12,000. Uh L3 Harris is offering a 60% discount to that," the speaker said, describing how the vendor discount and grant funding lower the county’s cost.
Voting and next steps: The committee moved, seconded and approved the budget amendment by voice vote. Staff said Dunn County will place the order and process reimbursements and municipal billings after equipment receipt.
The committee did not record a roll-call vote tally in the transcript; the action passed by voice vote and will proceed to the county board for the usual administrative processing.
