By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Barton County Communications provides an invaluable resource for residents in need and first responders. Tuesday morning, the Barton County Commission was able to put some value to the work. Communications Director Dena Popp approached the board to renew two contracts with Motorola Solutions totaling $99,966.
"In 2020, Communications got a SPARK (Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas) funding grant to purchase two 800 megahertz radio repeater towers," Popp said. "During that grant, the first year of maintenance, support, and additional costs were included in that. However, the future years of SPARKs funding could not be utilized for maintenance contracts."
Now entering its fourth year, the commission agreed to use the general fund to pay $64,713 for continuation of services through April 2025.
"This contract is important to the communications center as it provides intrusion alarms, heat alarms, power outages, monthly updates to keep up with technology and software/firmware updates," said Popp. "Also, with those feeding into myself and (IT Director Dereck Hollingshead), it prevents me from having to drive to Susank on a regular basis just to check those things."
The county also agreed to pay just over $35,000 for a console upgrade at the communications center. That cost will be paid with 911 tax fee funds to avoid using property taxes. Communications is also taking early steps to replace one of its towers in Susank. Purchased by the county in 1989, Popp said the tower is showing various signs of wear and tear.