Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/122777
Sarasota News Leader April 19, 2013 COSTS AND SAVINGS Tobias told the Sarasota commissioners last week that the $18.5 million estimate for the system covers the infrastructure only. Approximately $13 million will have to be spent on new radios to work with it. Nonetheless, Patterson said, "The presentation that we had today makes me feel more secure about where we're going on it … and I absolutely do think a multi-county approach … makes all the sense in the world." Ed Hunzeker, the Manatee County administrator, promised to provide a written report to both commissions regarding Miranda's answers to Robinson's questions. When Manatee Commissioner Betsy Benac asked whether the counties working together would save money, Miranda replied, "Definitely. Yes." He told the board that only one network, "the brains of the entire system," would be necessary, "and that's an expensive piece of equipment." Moreover, Miranda said, the most significant savings would come through efficiencies in operating costs. Instead of two maintenance contracts, for example, only one will be necessary, he pointed out. Page 50 "Our two counties working together [on the regional infrastructure], it makes absolute sense," said Sarasota Commissioner Charles Hines. "Both of our systems are coming toward failure at the same time. It's a unique opportunity to take advantage of all of this." Miranda pointed out that 17 Florida counties — including Pinellas, Hardee, Alachua, Duval and Orange — already have P25 systems in place, but none of them is cooperating on a regional basis. "Hopefully, we'll be the lead on that," he added. When Manatee Commissioner Robin DiSabatino asked about the timeline for putting in the new system, Miranda said the Sarasota infrastructure needs to be replaced as soon as possible. Tobias explained that the Procurement Department is finalizing a request for proposals (RFP) for a consultant to help the team choose the best type of system. A PowerPoint presentation provided to the boards shows the projected timeline calling for vendor bids to be solicited in the fourth quarter of this year, with a bid award and implementation of the new equipment beginning in the second quarter of 2014. Manatee County is almost at the point where a replacement system is necessary, Miranda added. "I have been doing some audits of the system, and I'm not that comfortable with it Manatee Commissioner Carol Whitmore said, on the reliability part … We're basically work"It just never made sense" that the two coun- ing on Band-Aids." ties were not using a regional system, noting Tobias said that it would take about 18 that Emergency Services personnel cannot months to install the new equipment once it is communicate directly with each other. purchased. %