New Motorola digital public safety radio system approved by Supervisors

Botetourt County will be replacing the antiquated public safety radio system and enter the digital age with Motorola. The current system is circa 1999 and analog. Parts were no longer available, the antenna components and current system in end of life stage. The situation since 2013 has become more dire in coverage thus becoming a safety concern. After negotiations, the county decided on a contract with Motorola. The new system provides wider coverage of the 548 square miles that is Botetourt County.  The Motorola system can interact on a common grid with nearby localities. It will also have upgrades in the contract in an expectation of 15 years with an upgrade in 6 years. New dispatch equipment will be installed and will have better fire station alerting.

The cost will be $19,744,000 including 2 years extra warranty and software. After the public hearing, the item and an appropriation of $10,080 274 from Capital Projects fund, the contract was approved by the Supervisors.

— Cathy Benson, file photo