Delaware County approves Motorola radio system contract with performance holdback

The Delaware County Commissioners on March 16 approved a contract with Motorola to replace the county’s radio system, a project staff said had been negotiated to remove certain vendor clauses and reduce post‑warranty costs.

County staff asked for approval after confirming edits to the contract and reductions in post‑warranty fees. Staff said the redevelopment commission agreed to fund equipment costs (amount listed in the meeting record in a transcription the clerk provided). The contract’s payment terms were negotiated to 80% on delivery and a 20% holdback payable upon “beneficial use” to ensure the system operates correctly before full payment.

“Those substantive changes… removed the freight and volatility clause completely, moved the payment terms to an 80/20 — so 80% upon delivery of the equipment, 20% upon beneficial use,” a staff member told the commissioners. Legal staff reviewed the revised contract and indicated the changes were acceptable.

Commissioner Brand moved to approve the agreement; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call. Commissioners recorded unanimous affirmative votes in support of the contract.

Staff said the county negotiated a reduction in post‑warranty costs and added contractual language to preserve county protections and emergency access previously referenced in interlocal drafts. The contract will move to execution, and county staff said they will coordinate the redevelopment commission funding and monitor the holdback and acceptance criteria as the system is brought online.