Board backs Motorola repeater on state police tower to improve county radio coverage

Sheriff's office representatives briefed the Russell County Board of Supervisors on longstanding gaps in public-safety radio coverage that stem from mountainous topography and existing tower siting. The county examined two approaches: subscribing to the statewide STAR radio system (an option with a multi-million-dollar price tag) or installing local repeaters that could piggyback on existing towers.

Meeting attendees said the Virginia State Police offered access to a high-elevation tower at Brumley, which would significantly extend line-of-sight and reduce dead zones. Two vendors provided quotes: Land Air quoted $18,133 for non-Motorola equipment, and Motorola quoted $22,964.80 for equipment compatible with the county's existing Motorola fleet.

"When you mix equipment, I've never seen it work," a sheriff's office representative said, stressing the benefits of compatibility and vendor support. He recommended Motorola equipment because the county already uses Motorola radio infrastructure and because Motorola is available under a state contract, which simplifies procurement.

After questions about coverage, compatibility and long-term maintenance, a motion to authorize the Motorola purchase and to proceed with tower installation and programming passed. The board emphasized the plan uses multiple redundancy layers (existing repeaters plus the new Brumley link) and that the county will continue to test and add targeted repeaters to fill remaining hollows where needed.

What happens next: County staff will finalize procurement under the available state contract, coordinate with the Virginia State Police for tower access and scheduling, and return to the board if additional capital or recurring costs are identified.