Commission approves $20.9 million radio modernization plan for 9‑1‑1 and public safety systems

The Board of County Commissioners approved recommendations from the Board of Bids & Contracts that included a major radio system modernization for emergency communications. Purchasing Director Joe Thomas outlined the bid recommendations; the board discussed the radio package in detail before approving the packet.

Elora Forchy, Director of Emergency Communications, said the county’s radio system is roughly 18 years old and the vendor that acquired the prior system will no longer support the infrastructure after 2028. “If something were to break, we would be without that,” Forchy said, explaining the need to replace consoles and tower hardware to maintain countywide coverage. Staff described the full contract amount as $20,915,967, with about $14.5 million attributed to equipment on towers and in the communications center and the remainder covering warranties and service. Forchy said the purchase will be bond funded and repaid from 9‑1‑1 tax funds (the surcharge on wireless services collected for emergency communications). The board approved the recommendations by roll call, 5–0.

Commissioners pressed staff on projected useful life and long‑term support; staff said the procurement includes upgrade paths and warranty coverage and that they expect 15 years or more of service life for major components.