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Supervisors approve $25,700 purchase of radios for rescue squads, direct staff to budget ongoing maintenance
Summary
The board approved the purchase of new radios for rescue squads and a dual-head command radio for an EMS vehicle using funds from a regional radio loan account and asked staff to include ongoing replacement/maintenance in next year's budget.
The Northumberland County Board of Supervisors approved the purchase of radios for rescue squads and a dual-head command radio for an EMS vehicle at the July 9 meeting, using remaining funds from a regional radio loan account.
Assistant Chief Harding presented two vendor quotes and explained the operational need: keeping a front-mounted radio on dispatch channels while providing two stations in the patient compartment so providers can relay information without moving about. The more flexible option with dual-head capability and three single-head radios totaled about $25,724.52; the alternative quote was roughly $800 less.
Board members noted the purchase would be funded from the loan proceeds set aside for the regional radio project and asked staff to plan for ongoing maintenance and replacement costs once those loan funds are exhausted. The chair moved to approve the higher-priced option; the motion carried.
County staff were directed to include radio maintenance and replacement funding in the next budget cycle so equipment needs are not covered ad hoc after the regional funds are depleted.
What happens next: radios will be procured and installed under county oversight; staff will report suggested recurring budget lines for radio maintenance and tower work in next year's budget process.
