Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Radio topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners approve $86,339 Motorola contract to upgrade county radio system
Summary
Jackson County Commissioners voted 3–0 to approve an $86,339 contract with Motorola for a Moto‑Turbo digital UHF radio system and authorized the 911 Board to enter the contract; officials said the system will improve indoor coverage and allow shared infrastructure with Seymour schools.
Sheriff Rick Meyer introduced 911 Board member Ben Rudolf and Seymour Police Chief Greg O'Brien to describe persistent communication problems with the county's analog VHF radio system. Rudolf said the current narrow‑banded VHF setup has limited voice capability and poor penetration into key buildings, including the Judicial Center.
The 911 Board presented Motorola's Moto‑Turbo digital UHF solution and described a plan to expand Seymour school corporation infrastructure with repeater sites in Brownstown, Crothersville, Medora and Gorbetts Chapel. Officials said the proposed digital UHF system would permit public safety agencies and schools to operate on the same physical infrastructure while maintaining separate operational frequencies; the system also supports data and can switch to broadband outside the county infrastructure for units that travel beyond county limits.
The 911 Board sought Commissioner approval of a contract priced at $86,339, including an eight‑year maintenance arrangement. Commissioner Matt Reedy moved to approve the contract and Commissioner Drew Storey seconded; the motion carried 3–0. Commissioners also approved a separate motion authorizing the 911 Board to enter the contract.
Why it matters: county officials said the digital UHF system will provide better building penetration, more reliable toning and potential data capabilities for dispatch and responders. Next step: the 911 Board may finalize contracting and begin site work on agreed tower locations.
