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BOOK 96 FAGS 836 <br />MOTION WAS MADE by Commissioner Eggert, SECONDED BY <br />_. Commissioner Adams, to revise Alternative #6 and <br />approve the 800 MHz Communications System (15/5) as <br />proposed in the contract with Ericsson, Inc., in the <br />amount of $5,776,373, which includes $60,000 for <br />tower sharing costs, with the increased cost being <br />funded from the revenue sources as recommended by <br />the County Administrator, and utilizing fiber optic <br />cable as the method of connecting the two east <br />towers at a cost not -to -exceed the original estimate <br />of $677,545 using $409,000 included in the contract <br />for cost related to a microwave system toward the <br />cost of the fiber optic system. <br />Under discussion, Commissioner Bird advised that he had no <br />problem with going ahead with the system, but would need convincing <br />that the additional expense for fiber optics was worth the cost. <br />Chairman Macht responded with a detailed and technical <br />explanation of the fail-safe and data handling advantages of using <br />fiber optics. He also believed the revenue possibilities are very <br />exciting and elimination of current expenses for leased telephone <br />lines is very desirable and, in his opinion, would provide a pay- <br />back that will more than take care of any additional costs. <br />Commissioner Bird asked for additional particulars and <br />Chairman Macht advised revenue potentials included leasing to an <br />infinite number of possible users. Chairman Macht stressed that <br />there are many advantages to fiber optics. <br />Commissioner Tippin was of the opinion that state of the art <br />equipment was great when you can afford it but he could not support <br />the increased costs associated with the fiber optic system. <br />Chairman Macht felt there was no choice because all citizens <br />are affected. He believed it has to be done and has to be done <br />right since it covers all the public safety agencies. He asserted <br />that part of the blame for the additional costs goes to the <br />original consultant for not including fiber optics from the <br />beginning. <br />Commissioner Adams recalled that Chairman Macht had initially <br />raised a concern with the original consultant. While she was <br />unhappy to spend the additional money, she could not justify <br />cutting anything. The various police departments had based their <br />budgets on the Board's previous intent to do this so she felt it <br />necessary to go ahead with funding the project. She was aware that <br />communications were presently difficult in northwest county. <br />C. <br />December 19, 1995 <br />