Commissioners Decide on Radio Tower Contract with Motorola | Eastern NC Now

    Publisher's note: Young May is cutting his reporter's teeth here on unveiling his understanding of the Beaufort County Commissioner meetings, where he will do all he can to offer an unbiased perspective of the political engagement of governing Beaufort County. These articles will be multiple in quantity, with specific videos added when available. Stay connected and you will be better informed.

    Washington, N.C.     On September 6, 2016 during the Board of Commissioners meeting, the Board voted to make allot $1,806,469 in a contract with Motorola Solutions Inc. to improve radio equipment for first responders. There have been claims of radios and pagers an insufficient signal when responding or not receiving the page. Under the proposal, Beaufort County's VHF (Very High Frequency) signals will have 95% effectiveness.

    Most of the proposal involves adding equipment to North Carolina's Viper Towers. It also includes the construction of a radio tower in Cherry Run Road in Washington. Commissioners Brinn and Richardson were the only commissioners opposed to this. Brinn argued that the project is costing too much, and requested the discussion be postponed until they work on the next budget. The County Manager made it known that the $1.8 million figure is at a discount of $400,000 offered in effort to reach Motorola Solutions' quarterly goal.
Beaufort County Commissioner Frankie Waters: Above.     photo by Stan Deatherage    Click image to enlarge.
    Commissioner Richardson staunchly opposed this, declaring that, "[we are solving] this problem in the most expensive way possible," and requested alternative solutions. Commissioner Langley argued that this is part of our county's infrastructure, something he views as being in desperate need of improvement.

    The Board voted to move forward, in discussing finance. Commissioner Waters motioned that the County pay for the project half up front, and 25% in annual installments until it is paid off. This motion meant they did not make a decision on payment as the financial officer has to get a new quote from banks for the change in payment plans. This is to be addressed in the next meeting.