New Kent to join regional communications emergency system
Emergency services in New Kent may be receiving a massive upgrade after supervisors unanimously approved to enter negotiations to join a regional radio communications grid.
Wednesday morning’s decision comes on the heels of an eight-month study conducted by Mike McGannon, a manager of Wireless Systems at Consulting Engineering Associates Inc.
McGannon, along with representatives from Motorola Inc., Gloucester County, York County, and Williamsburg-James City County, presented results of the study and recommendations to local supervisors. That study revealed New Kent is only covering about 80 percent of the county when it comes to emergency communications contact. By comparison, the proposed regional grid would offer around 95 percent.
Joining the regional system would allow New Kent to have an 800-megahertz system that will improve coverage for at least 10 years. The system also offers six channels, a fire paging system, and is expected to save the county $2.53 million dollars.
In retrospect, at least three 300-foot towers will be built to help provide emergency coverage. Predetermined locations include Henrico Jail East, Virginia’s Department of Forestry, and George W. Watkins Elementary School. A fourth tower, located at New Kent Courthouse, was deemed sufficient enough to handle the services according to Jackie Wasni, Motorola’s vice-president of sales.
Still, playing a major factor before a decision was the cost of the radio system. Including the construction of the tower, generators, and on-site facilities, a projected figure of $6.695 million was deemed. Another cost in the future for the radio project includes annual maintenance for the towers. After the conclusion of the third year of existence, an annual fee of $344,000 would be needed to cover.
A buy-in fee of $700,000, (originally $1.1 million before grants savings), is needed for the project. The county would then have the option for a one-year arrear, or postponement before the first payment, at the rate of $801,773, or a two-year arrear at $837,203. County financial consultant Ted Cole advised supervisors that the buy-in fee could be covered with repurposing a two-cent tax increase originally designated for the renovations of the Historic School, funds originally designated for the replacement of a school tank at George Watkins Elementary, and a patrol boat for New Kent Sheriff’s office that is no longer needed. The project is expected to take about 15 months for completion after all legalities and paperwork are completed.
Even with the funds, New Kent supervisors also became aware that a tax increase would be needed in the future. That tax increase would not take place until FY2016-17, with an additional increase expected in FY2018-19. Still, supervisors were optimistic that the savings plus the need for the communications were enough to warrant investing into the system.
“I want people to know that if this is approved, it’s at least a penny if not more in a tax increase,” said board chairman Thomas Evelyn. “It’s obviously a need after listening to the transcripts from the emergency communications center.”
“We have all heard excerpts from the top down,” added District 4 spokesman Ron Stiers. “This system will affect every citizen, every child on a school bus, and every person who enters the county.
“I’m the most conservative person on the board when it comes to raising taxes,” continued Stiers. “But if we pass this up now, the cost will be doubled in three, four years.”
After discussion, a 5-0 vote passed to negotiate terms to join the regional emergency grid. Sheriff F.W. “Wakie” Howard Jr. addressed the board with an emotional testimony at the conclusion of the meeting.
“I just want to thank the board for their decision today,” Howard said. “I don’t think anything in my career has been more agonizing than knowing a citizen could lose their life as a result of a communication issue. I commend the board for their decision that will be thanked by the citizens of New Kent.”