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County pursues federal funds to upgrade law-enforcement radios and dispatch systems
Summary
The county approved an MOU to pursue a congressional appropriation through DOJ COPS for radio and dispatch upgrades. Staff seek just under $1,047,000 to fund six radio sites and roughly 30 APX Next radios; award and installation could take up to two years.
County staff told commissioners they have applied for a federal appropriation through Congressman Zinke’s office and the Department of Justice COPS program to address longstanding radio and dispatch coverage issues.
Toni Hofland summarized the Memorandum of Understanding and the funding request, saying the county requested "just under $1,047,000.00" to cover six radio sites plus fire/dispatch improvements and about 30 APX Next radios. Hofland noted the application included eight letters of community support and that, if the county is awarded funds, it could be up to two years before monies are received and work begins. CEO Bill Everett thanked staff for their rapid work and praised the improvements to courthouse fiber and facilities that have resulted from earlier federal assistance.
The Commission approved the MOU to pursue and, if awarded, distribute the funds for communications upgrades. Commissioners asked staff to continue coordinating community letters and to prepare implementation priorities in case the appropriation is made.
