Upgrades to 911 radios may cost county more than expected
The projected cost of a government-mandated 911 radio upgrade could be higher than predicted for Butler County.
A study by Mission Critical Partners suggests that the upgrade could cost the county $13 million to $14 million. Initial estimates said that it could cost about $10 million.
The county has been setting aside state gas impact fee money to help pay for the upgrades.
However, Commissioner Bill McCarrier, board chairman, said at the commissioners meeting Monday morning that it might not cost as much as the study suggests.
He said the study accounted for the county paying for radios for municipal police departments and volunteer fire companies.
“We’re not going to buy (municipal departments) radios,” McCarrier said.
However, he noted that the county cannot expect volunteer fire companies to pay the entire cost of their upgrades. He said the county will need to figure out a formula to help companies pay for the radios.
McCarrier said the county has other options as well. For example, he said the county could lease radios from Motorola with an interest rate lower than taking out a bond.
A meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday at the emergency services center will focus the study.
