Craig County approves $4.7 million UHF P25 emergency radio system, authorizes gap loan

The Craig County Board of Supervisors voted to approve a notice to proceed for construction of a UHF P25 conventional simulcast radio system and to authorize intermediate financing measures on April 18, 2024.

The board approved Resolution R24-29 after the county negotiated the project cost to $4,700,000. The county will apply $996,631 in American Rescue Plan Act funds and provide a gap loan of $1,326,275 while pursuing federal and state grants. The board recorded that the gap loan would be for a 14-year term at 4.7% interest with annual payments of $131,427.94; the project includes a 5% contingency of $258,500. The County Administrator was authorized to prepare a Gap Loan Agreement for approval at a future meeting.

Support for the project was voiced at the meeting. Public commenter Woody Lipps said the radio system is important to county infrastructure and emergency response, thanking county staff and consultants for their work. Board members noted the procurement process, including an earlier apparent low bid and subsequent negotiations that reduced the county’s exposure.

The resolution directs staff to finalize financing documents and move forward with construction procurement; the County Administrator will return a gap-loan agreement to the board at the next regular meeting for formal approval.