Jay County approves $224,177 Spillman/Motorola server for sheriff; Portland to pay 40%

The Jay County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a $224,177.20 purchase of a new Spillman/Motorola server for the sheriff’s office, with $113,251 due in the first year. The agreement allocates 40% of the cost to Portland and 5% each to Pennville and Redkey, the county said.

Sheriff Larry “Ray” Newton presented the request and said the server is part of a planned upgrade; the board approved the purchase after Commissioner Chad Aker asked whether the department would have the necessary funds in the 2027 budget. Aker made the motion to approve and Doug Horn seconded; all three commissioners voted yes.

The purchase follows a separate, unanimously approved request to buy three radar units and related equipment from Kustom Signals Inc. for $8,069. The sheriff also asked for an extension of a June 30 flex-time deadline for department staff; the commissioners declined and said the personnel policy as written would remain in effect.

The server purchase is intended to upgrade dispatch and records systems used countywide. Commissioners recorded no dissent and set no additional conditions on the contract; implementation timing was described as taking effect next year under the proposed agreement with the participating units.