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Emergency Services Director Doug Wright presented Exhibit III from Administrator Chandler's memo, which included the following information: TO: Honorable Board of County Commissioners THROUGH: Jim Chandler, C unty Administrator FROM: Doug Wright, irector Department of Emergency Services DATE: April 16, 1994 SUBJECT: Information on 800 MHz Trunked Radio Communication System On June 8, 1993, the Board authorized staff to obtain cost information from consultants to complete a comprehensive study of the various communications systems in the county. The process was completed and on August 17, 1993, the Board approved the selection of a consultant, subsequently awarding a contract to Pallans. Associates on September 14, 1993. Pallans Associates completed the county -wide communications study and made a formal presentation to the Board on December. 14, 1993. The recommendation from the consultant was for the County to transition to an 800 MHz Trunked Radio System. The Board conceptually approved. the project and directed staff to determine specific cost and other applicable information for a final determination to be made. Prior to finalization of the cost information by staff, the Board held a workshop on February 23, 1994, regarding allocation of the One Cent Optional Sales Tax revenue for the next five years. The Board considered the staff proposal that funding for the infrastructure of the communications system and the county (administration and Sheriff's Department) user equipment be funded from this revenue source. The Board concluded that additional. and more in depth information was needed before a decision could be made in terms of approving/funding.the radjo system. There are approximately twelve hundred'. (1200 j ' radios of one type or another in operation in Indian River County at this time. Many of them are 1950's vintage of .manufacture, although there are some 1970's vintage in use. - Many of these radios, repeaters, controllers, etc., do not function well and require close attention in terms of maintenance to keep them operationally at their peak as best that can be accomplished. Replacements are under consideration now by some of the public safety departments. The - Board has been prior informed by the consultant that the many dead spots, frequency interference, and down time of existing equipment is a major concern to public safety agencies. As the number of radios have grown, the radio channels have become more and more congested. Considering the vintage of equipment, its operational capability, and potential impact of the FCC, ref arming project (see Exhibits 3-10 attached), anticipated expense to move to narrowband equipment, and understanding that a substantial outlay is going to be required just to maintain the old technology now if nothing is done in terms of 'obtaining equipment with new technology, a critical time has approached Indian River County. The question of how the County plans to meet its existing and future radio communication needs. to be considered and planned for now. 9 APR 28 1994 Boos 92 Farr `314 i