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Jack County eyes $541,425 radio upgrade; purchase to be placed on future agenda
Summary
County EMC/IT presented a Motorola proposal to replace aging radios at an estimated cost of $541,425 for 30 units. Commissioners expressed consensus to pay the full amount and return $60,000 to reserves; formal approval will be considered at a future meeting.
Frank Hefner, the county EMC/IT official, told the Court that current radios are about 12 years old and described a Motorola proposal to equip deputies with multi‑band handheld and mobile radios that would allow communications with neighboring counties. The estimated cost for 30 radios was approximately $541,425, with a financing option over nine years or paying the full amount to avoid interest.
Commissioners discussed funding options and expressed an informal consensus favoring full payment rather than financing; the record notes a plan to return $60,000 budgeted back into reserves, but the Court did not take formal action on procurement at this session. Judge Brian Keith Umphres said the matter will be addressed at a later date and the item was placed on the Court's future agenda for formal consideration.
Why it matters: the upgrade would modernize county communications, improving interoperability with other jurisdictions and replacing decade‑old equipment. The transcript does not show a final procurement decision, exact financing terms or an approved funding source beyond the noted $60,000 reference.
Next steps: the Court listed the purchase of 30 handheld and mobile radios as a future agenda item; staff are expected to return with procurement details for a formal vote.
