It is supposed to be a "bridged" system with both SLERS and VHF to be used to keep the capability for talking in buildings. Some state funding for the SLERS has been secured, and negotiations on price still have to take place.
WZEP had a good write-up on the issue. Radios are naturally one of their areas of expertise:
"WZEP News Segment 0
WC BCC Talks Radios Part 1
The Walton Commissioners have the final say in what radios to use, but those using them seem to all have an opinion. At the Tuesday morning meeting, Walton Sheriff Mike Adkinson addressed the commissioners, explaining that in 2006 they had selected to use the State Law Enforcement Radio System or SLERS. Adkinson said his predecessor did not move forward with the system, but with a federal mandate to make changes and after a review of available systems, his office feels the SLERS system was the right choice.
Captain Joe Preston said there is an unfunded mandate from the FCC to narrow band all radio systems. He also commended the board on their choice. Narrow banding compresses the radio frequency, giving more room. Currently Walton services use UHF, VHF and SLERS.
Preston said they believe the SLERS system is the right choice, but it needs to go from two to six functioning towers. The Sheriff?s Office has said the lack of towers creates many of the problems reported by users. Firefighters say they can not get communication signals out of buildings on SLERS. The system is currently in use in Walton and South Walton Fire District uses a combined SLERS/VHF system. All voices in the discussion agree the current systems are not adequate. Preston said men and women are being asked to go into fire and gunfire situations without adequate communication. He said they need to have a communication system that works.
The build out will take about $6.8 million, including towers and radios. Walton is working with the Harris Company, a sole supplier. The state has offered $500,000 to assist. Preston said Bay County went with an 800mHz Motorola system, is still paying for the bonds, and are now talking with Harris about SLERS. Escambia has 19 existing towers and Preston said it will cost $12.5 million for them to continue to use them. Preston said UHF and VHF technology is very old and many are moving to digital technology. He said this will provide for the safety of the citizens. The state is also taking over the build out of the Mossy Head tower.
Preston told commissioners they will have to be creative in coming up with funds, including grants. There are also companies that will build out a tower in exchange for the use for other antennas. There are less than 600 days before the narrow banding deadline. Preston asked to move forward and return with a final price.
WZEP News Segment 1
WC BCC Talks Radios Part 2
Talking radios in Walton, Commissioner Sara Comander said she might have made the past motion to go with SLERS, but she has since looked into the situation. She said she does not have a problem with the deputies using the SLERS system. Comander said the fire departments do not want to use it and said there is a way to allow the fire departments to use another system and bridge the two. Walton Sheriff?s Office Captain Joe Preston agreed and explained there is a way to bridge the two systems. He said they have support of the Fire Council to move forward with the bridged system.
Commander said they do not have the funds for the $6.8 million or even a lower cost. Commander asked Sheriff Adkinson about the cost of the first phase. Preston said they need three more towers, Gaskin, Freeport and near Peach Creek. The state will help with the Mossy Head tower and the Darlington tower. This could be as little as $1.5 million. Comander said they will be down $3 M to $4 M in the budget. Sheriff Adkinson said he does not know of a higher priority than the safety of the citizens. He said they are already about $2 M into the system. Adkinson said he is concerned with cost, but his number one concern is, ?Does it work??
Preston asked commissioners, ?If we faced a manmade or natural disaster, then wouldn?t be great if all agencies could communicate with each other?? Commander said another concern is the cost, about $5,000 for each radio. This cost has been a concern for some of the fire departments. The volunteer departments usually provide each member with a radio, about $500 each. The high cost would mean a change. The sheriff?s office has asked if all volunteers need their own radios, or just a communication device such as a pager to call them to the station.
South Walton Fire Chief Rick Talbert said the sheriff has been working with the fire agencies in the county. He said there are four topics:
? Input involvement ? It was poorly implemented with a lack of involvement with the fire departments.
? The Availability of Radios ? Committed with departments to make sure they have them.
? The Cost ? To have the radios and make sure they work.
? Upkeep and Maintenance ? The long term and making sure they can sustain them later.
Talbert said they have had a lot of discussion and at times it was intense. He said they did listen.
Roger Roy, a local volunteer, said he is concerned with having only a sole source. He said they should look at the needs before they come up with a solution. Roy said the SLERS does not work inside structures and the VHF they currently use does. He asked why they don?t build a system that does it all. Roy suggested an independent assessment for the fire, EMS and law enforcement radio needs. James Hagan, a resident, said he also has concerns with a sole source. He said competition drives the price down.
Walton Fire Chief Bryan Coley said, if they go with the two tiered system, then they will not be sole source. He also said they can use the VHF in structures and the SLERS system as well.
Commissioner Scott Brannon asked if the problems with buildings is due to not having enough towers. Coley said it could be, but also listed other potential problems. He said the current system is pitiful. Sheriff Adkinson said the research has been done by the county and then again by the sheriff?s office. Adkinson said, because of testing and time spent, Walton has become a model for the state. Preston said they do have the ability to tie the two together. He also said, as the systems become P25 compliant, then it will open to others for competition.
Bryan Whaley, with Motorola, said the comparisons in 2006 were from list price. He said the fairest way is to do competitive bid for everyone who needs radios to get a best and final price. He also said using a consultant would be wise. Commissioner Larry Jones noted in 2006 they did not get the best and final price.
Jones said this is an important issue and they are moving through a process. The motion to seek costs was approved. Commissioners also approved moving forward with negotiations. "
(Tried unsuccessfully to reduce the type size on the last part. Would have just done a link, but I think this would have been removed from the Web site tomorrow and the link would probably have stopped working)
