Brown Co. Continues Radio Debate as Deadlines Loom
By: Lisa Tipton, BrownwoodNews.com
Updated: May 31, 2012
Facing two deadlines, Brown County Commissioners' Court is battling
not only time but also legalities to become compliant with Homeland
Security and Federal Communications Commission requirements in the
purchase of radios for local law enforcement.
Brown County Judge Ray West said that Homeland Security and FCC requirements outline that all communications equipment, both mobile and handheld, be converted to narrow band by January 1, 2013.
Commissioners face a closer deadline, July 31, 2012, to get equipment ordered, received and installed in order to meet the requirements to use funds from the Homeland Security grant to purchase the radios.
West stated that the county can determine that the purchase of these radios is for the safety and welfare of its citizens and can forego the bid process; however, the court elected to enter into the bidding process previously after the county auditor Nina Cox suggested that would be the best course of action.
