Improvements in emergency equipment become focus in NK
New Kent supervisors are taking serious consideration in upgrading the county’s emergency radio communications after a May 28 presentation.
Michael McGannon, a manager of Wireless Systems at Consulting Engineering Associates Inc., addressed the board on concerns after a needs assessment conducted over a three-month period.
Chief Deputy Joe McLaughlin played three audio clips of recent situations in New Kent that involved radio communication. Those clips were nearly inaudible, with transmissions fading in and out throughout the call.
“On your current system, only 50 percent of the portable radios and 80 percent of the mobile radios are covered in this county,” said McGannon. “You have limited reliability under the current [VHF] system that you use and they do not meet operational needs and standards.”
McGannon’s evaluation also recommended that New Kent County join Gloucester, Williamsburg-James City County, and York County on a regional network. Those representatives presented testimonials and benefits about the union’s success.
“We were at the place where you all are now 10 years ago,” said Terry Hall, Chief of Emergency Communications for York, Poquoson, and Williamsburg Regional Emergency Communications Center. “The toughest part of forming this regional policy was governance, but we formed a regional policy team and have worked jointly.”
“We were there with you,” said Garrey Curry, assistant county administrator for Gloucester. “We joined the system in 2009 when we [Gloucester supervisors] had to decide what was appropriate.
“After listening to the audio earlier, is that the standard of care you want to provide your citizens?” he asked, relating to personal experiences he faced when addressing the issue in Gloucester. “Now, I don’t have to worry about it anymore.”
According to Hall, initial savings would save New Kent $1.5 million from subscription costs for software and radio frequencies, with an additional $800,000 saved from hiring a systems manager. Those savings would accumulate over a 10-year period, roughly the lifespan of the existing network before upgrades are necessary.
“If you join us, you’re an equal partner, not a tenant,” added Hall. “We will not compromise the integrity of this system by lowering our standards to accommodate anybody who joins.”
In total, the project totals $6.7 million with no contingency plan or unexpected surprises. Two options were presented to board members if they choose to adopt the plan. Option one consists of a one-year deferment on payments, with an $809,000 per year payment beginning in August 2015, while the other option is a two-year deferment with $850,000 a year payments beginning August 2016.
While Hall asked board members to seriously consider the plan to initiate the contract by Aug. 1 of this year, supervisors expressed the pros and cons of the plan.
“It’s the sheriff’s and firefighters duty to protect the citizens,” said District 4 member Ron Stiers. “It’s our duty as a board to give them the tools they need.”
“I agree with you Mr. Stiers, but we have a responsibility to the taxpayers as well,” responded chairman and District 1 representative Thomas Evelyn. “I don’t want to have a tax increase to pay for this.”
Money was designated in the current year’s budget for the feasibility study. Supervisors plan to discuss the issue at their June regular meeting.