d. Sheriff/communications grant - Laserfiche WebLink

CASS COUNTY ¢OMMI,SSION Don Rudnick, Sheriff Administration 701-241-5800 July 14, 2003 Adult Detention 701-241-5819 Juvenile Detention 701.241-5845 Emergency Mgmt. 701-241-5858 F~ 701-241-5805 211 9th St. S. Box 488 Fargo, North Dakota 581074)488 www. co.cass.nd, us/sheriff Robyn Sorum, Portfolio Commissioner Cass County Commission Cass County Courthouse Fargo, ND 58103 Re: Communication Grant from Department of Justice Commissioner Sorum: Our Metropolitan area has been selected to compete for a communications grant of up to six million dollars from the Department of Justice. The Fargo Police Department has been selected as the lead agency for this grant. In our continual effort to improve communications among agencies, this grant would provide the funds to move the Fargo Police Department from their current UHF frequencies to those in the VHF range which is used by other area law enforcement. At the same time, it would provide the capital to upgrade many 'of the existing radios that have not moved to the new digital mode and enhance the equipment of those that have. This grant does require a 25% Match which will be borne by the agencies receiving the radio equipment and enhancements. You may recall, Cass County upgraded our old radio equipment to the new digital standard a few years ago and so our cost would be limited to enhancements to our current assets. Most likely, this would mean the addition of digital radios to our transport vehicles and narcotic agents as well as new digital portables for our field staff. The CoSt'w0uidbe included in our 2004 budget request. ' At this time, our office is asking that the commission submit a letter of support for the grant application. Should the commission decide at a later date that they did not wish ~to participate; no monetary commitment would be required. As we move into our new joint dispatch center, it is an appropriate time to move other communication issues forward.