WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR INCREASED EMERGENCY RADIO COVERAGE

  

First responders in Washington County will be getting a broader coverage area for their emergency radios.

Washington County Commissioners voted today (Tuesday) to approve an interlocal agreement between the county E-911 department and the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) for increased radio operability coverage and upgraded radio contact capabilities.

The agreement is meant to improve the safety of first responders throughout the county, particularly if they need to travel outside of the county during emergency calls or assist neighboring agencies.

E-911 Director Robyn Hood said the agreement will allow the county to tie into LCRA’s radio system, called "Talkgroups".

 

Hood said the added range of coverage is significant.

 

The five-year agreement amounts to $13,737 and covers one-time costs to set up new equipment at the county’s radio tower, as well as personnel costs to perform the installation; new towers do not need to be built, and there is not an annual subscription.  The agreement will be paid with funds through the American Rescue Plan Act.

Also in court, commissioners:

• Authorized the county judge to enter into negotiations with Burns Architecture, LLC of Galveston regarding terms, cost and project details to act as the engineering/architectural services provider for the EMS District 6 response station that will be located on federal property near Lake Somerville Marina in Washington County.
• Approved the trade-in of six Sauer duty weapons for the Washington County Constable’s Offices and for the Precinct 1 Constable to accept donations for the purchase of replacement duty weapons. Precinct 1 Constable Ken Holle explained that the offices are seeking to replace their .40 caliber weapons with 9mm due to 9mm ammunition’s reduced cost and higher availability.  The Precinct 1 Office is receiving $1,000 in donations to help purchase the replacement weapons.
• Approved seeking requests for proposals on a perimeter security fence for added security at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office facility. The deadline for submission of solicitation responses will be November 23^rd at 9 a.m.
• Approved a funding acknowledgement letter for the Brazos Valley Council of Governments Regional Mitigation Program, pertaining to Hurricane Harvey relief funds.
• Discussed a formal notice from ETC Texas Pipeline, Ltd for a 16-inch natural gas pipeline on Rehburg Road in Precinct 3. The notice only permits the ability to run a pipeline under right of way.
• Approved a termination letter from Conrad Day for a Washington County felony indigent defense contract effective October 31^st. Commissioners then approve a contract with Zach Coufal for Washington County felony indigent defense effective November 1^st.
• Directed the Washington County Auditor’s Office to conduct an audit of the 21^st Judicial District Attorney’s Office’s seizure and forfeiture accounts pursuant to Chapter 59 Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
• Approved a letter agreement from Rutledge Crain & Company, PC to provide auditing services to Washington County for the year ending December 31^st.