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Commissioners OK Radio Equipment, Building

The Roosevelt County commissioners approved a proposal from Motorola for new radios and a system upgrade for sheriff and emergency responses during their meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 25.

The project will include improvements at four 911 stations in the county. Commissioners say that the systems are about five years older than their recommended lifespan.

Commissioners note the plan also includes handheld digital radios. The equipment features 20 mobile radios for vehicles and 15 portable vehicle that deputies can carry.

Total cost for the project is $1.339 million. Of that amount, the state’s 911 fund is covering $630,000.

Commissioners unanimously agreed to the proposal.

Commissioner Gordon Oelkers noted that this project is in addition to the half million dollar radio tower project in Poplar.

“We’re really upgrading our system,” Oelkers said.

He added that the Fort Peck Tribes is assisting with $230,000 for the tower project.

Commissioners are thankful regarding the additional funds from the Tribes and the 911 fund.

“The ARPA money is putting us over the top to do it,” Oelkers said of COVID-related funds.

Earlier in the meeting, commissioners approved the bid of $365,250 from Corland Construction of Sidney for a new evidence building for the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office. The building will feature a furnace and a pitched, insulated roof. The building will be located on a corner lot south of the courthouse.

“I feel like it’s long overdue,” commissioner Robert Toavs said.

The project will be paid with CARES Act funds.

Oelkers said there is still currently $1.1 million in the CARES fund. About half a million are designated to approved projects.

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