County approves emergency communications system upgrade

SIDNEY -- The Cheyenne County commissioners this morning approved a proposal for upgrading the Cheyenne County Emergency Communications Center.

Communications Director Heidi Gillespie met with the commissioners this morning, June 19, to discuss purchasing new radio consoles. She told the commissioners the consoles currently in use have outlived their effectiveness. 

"We have to take care of the system. It's the heart of the county," said Commissioner Phil Sanders.

The proposal was approved 2-0 with Commissioner Randy Miller abstaining. 

The new Motorola consoles will cost almost $402,000, about $150,000 less than anticipated, Gillespie told the commissioners. Funding of the project will be divided between Cheyenne County, Deuel County and the City of Sidney passed on the percent of usage. Cheyenne County will be about 32 percent of the cost, almost $83,000. 

Gillespie said she wants to use $150,000 from the wireless 911 fund, leaving about $251,700 remaining. Motorola is seeking 25 percent down at the time the contract is signed, followed by a payment of 60 percent of the balance, 10 percent at installation, and the remaining 5 percent when "the bugs are worked out."

County attorney Paul Schaub said the county's share can be paid through ARPA funds. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus package signed into law March 11, 2021 to speed up recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.