Motorola begins coverage testing for county radio system; volunteers sought as ride‑along witnesses

County emergency‑services staff told legislators that Motorola will begin coverage testing for the county radio system and asked for volunteers to ride along and serve as witnesses for the coverage measurements. The testing will run over several weeks and was scheduled while leaves are still on the trees to verify advertised coverage under realistic conditions.

Staff described the outstanding infrastructure work: two towers remain to be built in Cranberry Lake and Star Lake, and an antenna at an NYPA site in Pitcairn is expected to improve coverage once it comes online. An APA permit for the Star Lake site was submitted the prior week, with staff expecting a 2–4 week review window.

Cost and allocation questions followed. Staff outlined that radio pricing ranged roughly from $3,000–$5,000 for base/portable/mobile units at the lower end and up to $8,000–$9,000 for higher‑end radios; they said the county used a staffing/radio formula modeled on Jefferson County and that agencies could buy additional radios if needed.

Board members asked whether local departments had contributed toward purchases; staff said local departments had not been required to contribute and that initial allotments were funded via grant and ARPA money. Staff emphasized the testing data would determine coverage shortfalls and inform further procurement decisions.

Quote: “So the long time coming, we are having Motorola start the coverage testing for the radio system tomorrow,” one emergency‑services speaker said.