Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Ware County approves two pickup fire trucks and EMS radio repeater upgrades
Summary
The county approved $120,598 to buy two pickup trucks with 150‑gal skid units for fire response and $10,122 to install a VHF digital repeater and radios for EMS communication, funded from SPLOST public‑safety allocations. Commissioners emphasized local vendors and training.
Ware County commissioners on July 13 approved two public‑safety purchases: two F‑250 pickup trucks outfitted with 150‑gallon skid units for wildland/brush response, and a VHF digital repeater with radios to strengthen EMS communications.
County staff presented three bids for the trucks and recommended the low bid from Robertson Ford at $60,299 per truck, for a total of $120,598. The vehicles will be equipped with skid units; Georgia Forestry will fund half of the skid‑unit cost (except pumps). The board approved purchase from SPLOST public‑safety funds.
The board also approved EMS radio upgrades and installation by Monroe Communications for $10,122, again from SPLOST public‑safety funds. Chief Blackburn told commissioners the repeater will be installed on a local tower and will improve radio coverage and 911 communications. Staff confirmed current portable and mobile radios are compatible with the proposed system.
Commissioners highlighted keeping contracts and purchases local: the truck bid was awarded to a local Ford dealer and the radio work to a Waycross company. They also asked staff to confirm training and safety updates for crews using the new vehicles and to account for operating costs such as insurance and tags.
Both purchases passed on voice votes recorded by the clerk with unanimous approval of commissioners present.
