Committee approves staffing parity, radio-system replacement and RMR expansion application; all votes unanimous

The Tompkins County Public Safety Committee on June 23 recorded unanimous approval of routine minutes and three resolutions covering staffing, communications infrastructure and a grant-funded expansion of emergency medical services.

Minutes and staffing parity: The committee approved the May 26 minutes (moved by Rachel, seconded by Irene). It then approved a resolution (DER 14171) to increase three security officers from 35 to 40 hours per week so those staff have parity with the rest of the team. Committee members said state/DSS reimbursements and interfund transfers will offset part of the cost; no additional county tax levy was required for the current fiscal year. Irene moved and Veronica seconded the resolution, which passed unanimously.

Radio paging system replacement: The committee approved a capital project to replace the county public-safety radio paging infrastructure (DER 4175) with an estimated cost of $740,000. Administration said the county has set aside RNR reserve funds to cover the purchase and that the project is planned to begin with equipment ordering this year and finish by the third quarter of 2028. Committee members highlighted system resilience benefits, including adding a 400MHz fallback and some bidirectional capabilities. The motion was moved by Lee, seconded by Rachel, and passed unanimously.

RMR expansion application: The committee also authorized staff to apply for a grant to expand Rapid Medical Response to add paramedic-level services (DER 14181); the item and vote are described in detail in a separate committee action. Members amended the resolution title to reference applying to the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (as cited in meeting materials) and approved the motion unanimously.

Votes and procedural notes: All three resolutions passed by voice vote with committee members indicating unanimous support; the meeting materials list DER IDs for each resolution and administrators gave brief funding and implementation notes during debate. The committee adjourned after receiving member reports and an EMS working group update.