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Fort Mohave Mesa board continues review of regional public‑safety radio consortium, schedules workshop
Summary
Board members reviewed repeated communications disruptions and a coverage study showing 95% reach with an additional repeater; staff and union representatives said the regional consortium may improve safety and unlock grant funding. A workshop was scheduled to answer remaining board questions.
The Fort Mohave Mesa Fire District Board on April 28 continued its review of a proposed Mohave County Regional Public Safety Radio Communications Consortium after staff described incidents of disrupted on-scene communications and a coverage study supporting additional equipment.
Deputy Chief John Clark told the board that he could cite four incidents in which communications between command staff, mutual aid units and firefighters were disrupted, creating unsafe conditions for personnel at scenes. Assistant Chief Kevin Smith said a study "indicated 95% coverage prior to the installation of an additional repeater." The discussion followed an executive-session briefing that began at 5:33 p.m. and concluded at 5:54 p.m., recorded by roll call votes.
The matter matters because the board must weigh both operational risks and the costs of upgrading systems. Fire Chief Chris Pardi said that under the current dispatch arrangement "it can take between two to four minutes for a call to be dispatched and received by responders," and that the District estimates about $1.5 million would be required to implement modernization of the current dispatch provider's system. He also said a regional communications center could open access to additional grant funding.
Union leaders urged the board to move cautiously but expressed support for the consortium option. Jarod Coffey, secretary of Local 4324, said the union plans increased community outreach and fundraising; Kyle Bakken, president of Local 4324, told the board the radio proposal was reviewed through the RBO process and represented the best option to serve the community.
Board Member Arden Lauxman voiced reservations about committing to the project; executive staff and the board agreed to schedule a workshop so Lauxman could review outstanding questions before the board’s May meeting. Staff also noted ongoing grant work, including a potential $1 million SS4A joint radio-communications application and other foundation support that could offset costs.
The board did not adopt the intergovernmental agreement at the meeting; next steps are the scheduled workshop and a report back to the board at the May meeting.
