Fayette County approves purchase of 131 portable Kenwood radios; up to $270,000 authorized from fire levy

Fayette County commissioners voted on May 13 to approve the purchase of new radios for county fire departments from the sole bidder, Discount Communications. The board approved buying 131 Kenwood portable radios (NX300 series with full keypad as budgeted) and 10 Kenwood mobile units for trucks (NX5800 series), and authorized use of fire levy funds up to $270,000 toward the purchases.

During discussion staff described a countywide plan for roughly 130 single‑band portables and about 35 dual‑band units for departments that cross county lines. The vendor and staff explained the operational difference: dual‑band radios allow inter‑county communication and are needed only by departments that regularly operate on different frequency bands.

Commissioners requested a final breakdown of department contributions and the precise split between state funds, levy funds and department purchases. At the meeting staff provided preliminary funding figures: about $80,000 from state funds and an expected $270,000 from the fire levy, with departments to cover their optional equipment and any remainder. Commissioners set a follow‑up to confirm department contributions and noted they would finalize details at their May 22 meeting if needed.

A motion to approve the purchases and to apply up to $270,000 from fire levy funds carried on a voice vote.