Council allows application for $140,000 homeland-security radio grant to replace aging public-safety radios

County emergency/public-safety staff asked the council on July 9 for retroactive approval to apply for a State Homeland Security grant of up to $140,000 to replace aging public-safety radios and purchase base equipment for incident command.

Kevin (speaker 13) asked for permission after a short-notice application window and said the radios in use were manufactured around 2011–12 and have exceeded their expected lifespans; he estimated the grant would cover about 26 radios and noted the newer equipment would add interoperability and the ability to integrate with cellular phone applications for resiliency. He described the grant as 100% reimbursable with no match required.

Councilmember Kathy moved to allow Kevin to apply; the motion was seconded and approved by the council. Staff indicated the request will also be presented to the commissioners.