County leaders call radio-system upgrade a multi-year priority; consultant RFP recommended

Commissioners identified upgrading county radio systems and related infrastructure as a top, long-term priority that will require outside expertise and multi-year funding.

During the workshop one commissioner called the radio upgrade "a huge goal" that will take "a year, two years, three years," and emphasized the need to start immediately to pursue grants and consultant support. Commissioners noted technical constraints (frequency conflicts, state and federal tower access limits) and warned that departments can be territorial about equipment choices, so a consultant is needed to bring stakeholders to consensus and produce technical specifications for procurement.

Staff and commissioners said the Emergency Management Agency (EMA) should lead initial efforts once the scope is defined. Amanda, who led the earlier presentation, and others recommended preparing an RFP for a consultant to assess current infrastructure, draft procurement criteria, and identify potential grant sources. Commissioners flagged potential costs in the 'millions' and agreed the work should proceed in stages, starting with a formal consultant engagement.

Next steps: staff to begin consultant scoping and RFP development, coordinate with EMA and fire/police/dispatch leaders, and pursue grant opportunities to fund phased upgrades.