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Ashland accepts Blue Shield grant to buy seven radios for emergency response
Summary
The board authorized the city administrator to execute SFY 2026 Missouri Blue Shield grant funding to purchase seven mobile radios to align with the county's new dual-band system; police chief urged residents to use 311/911 for reporting.
The Board of Aldermen on Oct. 7 approved Resolution 2025-53 authorizing the city administrator to execute a SFY 2026 Missouri Blue Shield grant to buy additional mobile radios for the police department.
The police chief explained that the county is switching to a dual-band communications system and that the city has been planning for the change for several years. "We've already purchased a few of these, but we need 7 more," the chief said, recommending the board accept the grant funding so the city can buy radios that improve in-building radio penetration for schools and commercial buildings.
The chief told the board the equipment is expensive and that the grant would cover the needed purchases; he also urged residents to report suspicious activity through 311 or 911 rather than relying solely on social media so dispatch and partner agencies are notified in a timely, auditable way. The board moved, seconded and approved the resolution by recorded/voice vote as called by the Chair.
Staff said purchases will be completed in the coming months and the radios should improve communications with partner agencies once the countywide dual-band system is fully implemented.
