Commission approves $20.9 million plan to modernize Sedgwick County 9-1-1 radio system

The Sedgwick County Commission approved a purchasing package that includes a radio system modernization through a NASPO ValuePoint master agreement with Motorola Solutions Inc., listed at $20,915,967. The board voted 5-0 to accept the Board of Bids & Contracts recommendations.

Elora Forchy, director of emergency communications, told commissioners the existing radio system is approximately 18 years old and vendor support is scheduled to end in 2028. "If something were to break, we would be without that," Forchy said, arguing the county must replace console equipment, tower hardware and other infrastructure to maintain public-safety radio coverage across the county. She said the purchase will be bond-funded and repaid from 9-1-1 tax receipts.

Commissioners pressed on scope and cost. Forchy said the equipment cost for tower and comm-center hardware is about $14,500,000 and that the difference up to the $20.9 million price represents warranty and service/maintenance commitments included in the contract. She said the eight-year contract term locks maintenance pricing and includes upgrade provisions; staff expects equipment to provide service well beyond the initial eight years.

Why it matters: The county's radio system supports police, fire, EMS and other field agencies; losing vendor support could create significant public-safety risks if the infrastructure fails. Financing through the statutorily authorized 9-1-1 tax means the capital repayment will come from dedicated receipts rather than general funds.

Next steps: The board authorized staff to complete the contract and proceed with procurement under the NASPO agreement; staff will implement the project and manage bond issuance and 9-1-1 tax repayment.