In a significant move towards enhancing public safety infrastructure, the Paducah Board of Commissioners has greenlit an agreement with Communications International for the Paducah-McCracken County 911 radio system. This project addresses the urgent need to replace the existing radio system, deemed functionally obsolete.
During a joint City-County meeting on December 11, both entities extensively discussed the project, leading to the McCracken County Fiscal Court’s approval of the agreement. Mayor George Bray expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort between the city and county, emphasizing the positive impact of replacing the aging radio system on the well-being of citizens. He referred to it as a “momentous day.”
The approved agreement, totaling $10,013,436.64, will fund the upgrade of the Paducah-McCracken County 911 radio system. This includes provisions for five radio towers, consoles for the 911 Communications Center, backup consoles at the McCracken County Emergency Operations Center, and portable radio units for first responders.
Out of the total cost, over $7.67 million will be allocated for system infrastructure upgrades, to be evenly split between the City and County, as per the terms of a 2021 agreement. The remaining funds will cover portable radio units for City and County agencies.
While the project schedule is yet to be finalized during upcoming design review meetings, preliminary estimates suggest completion by March 2025.
In addition to approving the Communications International agreement, the Board passed a Municipal Order to amend the agreement with 911 project consultant, Federal Engineering. This amendment encompasses professional consulting work related to the implementation, testing, and final cutover of the 911 radio system upgrade.
Looking ahead, the project will address critical decisions such as determining the governing structure for the 911 system, currently owned by the City and managed under the Paducah Police Department. Furthermore, the City and County will collaboratively explore funding structures for the 911 costs, with considerations including a water meter fee or a parcel fee.
This initiative traces back to August 2021, when the City and County entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the 911 system upgrade, establishing a joint oversight committee. Following a thorough evaluation process, the City and County selected Communications International in March 2023. The master contract for the project was recently adopted at the latest joint meeting.
The Paducah-McCracken County 911 radio system upgrade signifies a crucial step towards a more robust and modernized public safety communication network, ensuring the well-being of the community.
