By Doug Olson, Tillamook County Commissioner
Tillamook County has placed Measure 29-180 before the voters this November. The county is asking voters to consider authorizing the sale of General Obligation Bonds in an amount of $24.4 million to finance the purchase of a public safety radio system across the county.
If the measure passes, the funds will be used to upgrade a failing radio system currently used by all first responders including police, fire, medical, Tillamook PUD, Tillamook Public Works, the 911 Dispatch System and related microwave equipment plus one new tower (there are currently 12).
A number of questions have been raised in letters to the editor, social media and community meetings. There is some misinformation circulating so this is an effort to set the record straight and explain the ballot measure. Here are some of the comments and questions in our community.
- Why Now? The existing system is 25+ years old and is failing. Repair parts, if available at all, are often purchased on eBay or Craig’s List. Public Safety is the highest priority of local government. A dependable, working communication system is essential to public safety. Electronic equipment has a relatively short life.
- It’s too expensive. The cost to upgrade the entire system is estimated at $26.4 million including a contingency. Tillamook County has received a $2 million grant to help fund the project. The new system was designed by Federal Engineering, a specialty consulting firm that sells no products, only designs radio systems. That is the estimated cost based on our design, terrain and basic requirements of all users and the two – way radio public safety market across our country. The estimated cost is $.33 per $1000 of Assessed Value of taxable real property in the county. This is a professional radio system for professional first responders.
- The proposed system seems like a Cadillac system. The new system will have more features than the old system, but is more like a Chevrolet with new tires, better fuel economy and a much better radio. Remember what you were driving 25 years ago.
- What about satellite and cellular service? Starlink is used in other countries. Starlink is a private firm owned by Elon Musk. It was designed primarily for internet service and TV. It basically requires a clear line of sight from the earth to a satellite, something which is uncommon in Tillamook County. Moreover, it is not in common use in America for public safety communications. Two-way radio on VHF and UHF radio bands is proven technology and used around the world. Even enhanced mobile devices currently do not meet the public safety requirements for form, function, ruggedness, resiliency battery exchanges and other features. Public safety agencies expect service reliability to be mission-critical, meaning it is available wherever and whenever it’s needed. Land Mobile Radio currently meets this requirement whereas cellular and mobile broadband networks do not.
- Is our current system broken? It works but is failing and has limited service and range across the county. It’s analog design, while nearly all electronic equipment today is digital.
- Why doesn’t each agency take care of its own communication needs ? All our agencies work together during accidents, storms, power outages, police or sheriff incidents, medical emergencies and more. A single system will allow more reliable communication not only within Tillamook County, but with neighboring cities and counties and the state police and Coast Guard. Also, a larger contract should provide lower per unit costs. Part of the problem with the current system is that certain agencies cannot communicate with other public agencies or must use a complicated channel switching system.
- What happens with the extra money if the bids are lower than the estimate? Any remaining funds will be used to help with maintenance costs in the future.
- What happens if the bids are more than the budget and bond? The county and public safety agencies will need to either add additional funds or reduce the scope of the project.
- What happens after the warranty period? Who owns and maintains the system? After the warranty period, each agency will own the equipment and be responsible for maintaining and replacing the equipment as necessary.
- I’m on a fixed income and can’t afford higher taxes. A general obligation bond is the least expensive method for local government to pay for needed projects. While it will be a burden for some of our neighbors, the project is necessary to continue public services of police, fire, medical, 911 dispatch, public works, Tillamook PUD and related support. Remember that about 40 percent of the cost will be paid by those people who own property in Tillamook County but reside elsewhere.
- What if the bond fails? Then what? The county and other agencies will continue to do what we do now. The best we can with what we have.
- I heard the county is going to use some of the money to help close shortfalls in the county budget. That is incorrect. Tillamook County’s budget issues will be resolved by other means. The money for the radio project may only be used for the radio project by law. Tillamook County could not repurpose these funds even if it wanted to. Funds for this project are in a completely separate fund and accounted for separately.
- I heard the bonds are supposed to be repaid in 15 or 16 years. Why not longer and lower the cost to the people? The county does not want to continue paying for something which may be obsolete in 20 or 25 years. A longer repayment period would also cost more over time.
- Will this bond measure provide cell phones for residents so we can call 9-1-1 ? Cell phones remain the responsibility of individuals. The proposed radio system is for communication among first responders, 9-1-1 dispatch and related services.