Radio - Communications
0001-304200
Division Overview
Radio Communication is part of the Information Technology Department. This division provides all services, hardware, software and cable plant maintenance necessary to support radio communications in the county. Radio support is provided to the Sheriff Office, Road Operations, Animal Control and other critical radio needs of the county. The county-wide radio system has nearly 400 subscribers, 8 county maintained radio towers and approximately 1500 square miles of radio coverage.
Allocated Positions by Year
Adopted Budget By Year
* Each department is part of a "Fund". Many times, a department or even a fund may show greater expense then revenues for the current fiscal year. This does not account for money that was not spent in prior years, also known as "beginning fund balance". When creating the annual budget Counties are required by law to adopt a balanced budget, meaning the total expense cannot exceed the sum of revenue plus beginning fund balances.
Recent Accomplishments
- Expanded Radio communication for the Sheriff’s boat patrol - This year we implemented a solution that allowed the boat patrol to have radio’s on the wave runners.
- New Jail Radio and AV System – As part of the new jail construction we expanded the radio communications with-in the building, with in building repeaters and antennas. We also led the coordination of all the new audio/video equipment for the new jail.
- Interoperability communication – Utilize Homeland Security funding we purchased portable radio repeaters that will allow expanded interoperability and coverage during emergency situations.
Top Concerns
- Further increasing interoperability – We need to increase interoperability between partner agencies. This is a critical need during emergency situations.
- Aging equipment – Aging equipment is not just a concern for radio infrastructure and radio, but also the equipment used to service and maintain the entire radio system.
- Address digital standards – Standards for radio communications are regularly updated, education and training is required to stay up to date with these changes.
Looking Forward - Planning Goals
- Radio reprogramming – This year one of the top priorities is the reprogramming of the entire radio fleet. Reprogramming is required to ensure interoperability and communication.
- Mitigation of issue with telecom provider – We have had ongoing issues at some of our tower sites. This year our goal is to mitigate those issues and/or find a permanent solution.