Linn supervisors postpone action on radio plan

Linn County supervisors want more detail before signing off on the county's share of a new radio system for public safety and other functions.

There's no doubt the county will participate with Cedar Rapids and Marion in the new system, which must be in place Jan. 1, 2013 to meet a federal mandate to free broadcast bandwidth for cell phones and wireless devices. But they're not sure if they want to include rural fire departments and police departments in the county's other cities.

Leaving the change up t0 each city or fire district would save the county about $1.4 million, but might reduce discounts promised by low bidder on the project, Harris Corporation of Melbourne, Fla.

“I would hope they'd be flexible,” said District 4 Supervisor Brent Oleson, R-Marion. “We just got these numbers a week ago.”

Supervisors hope state lawmakers pass legislation providing some state aid to local departments coping with the changeover. They also want to consult the county's local governments.

To give themselves time for that, supervisors agreed to put the question on their April 20 agenda.

The system will cost $18.2 million, with Cedar Rapids covering half the $11.1 million shared infrastructure, the county 30 percent, and Marion 2o percent. Each government is responsible for the mobile and portable radios and other equipment its personnel would use – over $4 million worth for the county.

The system will also be used by other local government agencies such as street and road departments.

The Marion City Council voted last week to participate in the plan. The city plans to issue bonds to fund its share, Police Chief Harry Daugherty said.

Cedar Rapids, which will coordinate the project with Harris, has issued bonds the past few years to cover its cost, Police Chief Greg Graham said.

Linn radio pwrpt