By Dewey Terrill
JC Post
Geary County has been allocated $6.3 million for COVID-19 Phase one relief. Keith Ascher, County Commission Chair, confirmed officials are talking about the possible use of some of that money for a new radio system.
Ascher noted that multiple agencies including Junction City, Geary County, Grandview Plaza have all been looking at the radio system for some time. "I think that the consensus was between the sheriff, police chief, the fire chief and emergency management that what commissioners heard was the one that touches everybody the most would be the radio system." A possible new command center is also being considered.
Ascher said the new radio system would help first responders and other organizations. But it would help the hospital, it would help the school district, it could be as far reaching as the city public works, county public works. The initial cost estimate for the radio system was $2.9 million but has now been reduced to just over $2 million, said Ascher. " That had some impact on our decision too."
The new system connects with a state radio system. Ascher said it would cover the far reaches of the county in the rural area. There would be radios in cars and portable units along with upgraded software.
The issue received discussion at a county commission meeting this past week at the County Office Building. The command center could still receive some consideration.
Final allocations of the COVID-19 money have not yet been made but will be soon.