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Horicon council unanimously adopts five resolutions to join statewide WISCOM radio system
Summary
The Horicon Common Council on Jan. 8 unanimously adopted five resolutions committing the city’s Police, Fire, EMS, DPW/WW and Emergency Management to join the statewide interoperable public safety radio system (WISCOM) and authorized pursuing state grant funding that requires a 20% local match under Wisconsin Statute § 323.29(5).
The Horicon Common Council unanimously adopted five resolutions on Jan. 8 authorizing the city’s police, fire, emergency medical services, public works/wastewater and emergency management to join the statewide public safety interoperable communication system known as WISCOM.
Chief Berken told the council the resolutions will allow the city to apply for grant funding to purchase multi‑band radios for those departments, described the features of the proposed radios, discussed anticipated countywide upgrade costs and timeline, and said he planned to seek grant funding later that week. Under the state statute cited in the resolutions — Wisconsin Statute § 323.29(5) — eligible local governments must commit to joining the replacement system and to provide local funds equal to 20% of any grant award.
Alderperson Jim Bandsma introduced Resolution 2026‑01 for the Horicon Police Department; Bandsma moved to adopt and Alderperson Sullivan seconded. Alderperson Marie Fenske introduced Resolution 2026‑02 for DPW/WW (moved by Fenske, seconded by Bandsma). Resolution 2026‑03 for the Fire Department was introduced by Alderperson Bryce Bemy (motion by Remy, second by Bandsma). Bandsma introduced Resolution 2026‑04 for EMS (moved by Bandsma, seconded by Sullivan). Alderperson Fenske introduced Resolution 2026‑05 for Emergency Management (moved by Fenske, seconded by Remy). Each motion passed by a unanimous “aye” vote from the alderpersons present.
Each resolution references Wisconsin Statute § 323.29(5) and the state program’s terminology, identifying the upgraded 7/800 MHz system as WISCOM 800 and stating the city will provide the 20% local match required for grant eligibility. The council did not quantify the total project cost at the meeting; Chief Berken provided informational packets on radio features and discussed a countywide upgrade timeline, but specific dollar amounts and a full project budget were not specified in the meeting record.
The special session convened at 5:00 p.m. with Mayor Maas presiding and adjourned at 5:21 p.m. City Clerk Chris Spilker‑Jenkins certified the proceedings.
