Through the Public Safety System Modernization Project (PSSM), the County is upgrading the radio system to meet the Federal Communications Commission mandated 800 Mhz frequency to ensure reliable and effective public safety communications for the operations of its first responders and to sustain communications interoperability for seamless mutual aid among its regional partners. The process of moving to the new system will be complete in February 2021. This project will provide for the purchase of P-25 compliant handheld and vehicle-based radios that allow the affected departments to complete immediate re-banding within the 800 MHz frequency.

Once the County transitions to the Federal Communications Commission mandated 800 MHz frequency, all radios using the older 400 MHz frequency will cease to function.

FY21 - Department of Transportation (non-Transit) Request - $1,138,000 - 412 Radios (280 APX 1500 Mobile and 132 APX 1000 Portable); $250,000 - Installation

FY21 - Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Request - Radio Requirements $45,580 - $31,670 for installation of ten new 800 MHz radios in vehicles and $13,910 for splitters for the in-building Bi-Directional Amplifiers at the Montgomery County Detention Center to ensure a radio signal is available throughout the facility.

FY21 supplemental in Recordation Tax Premium (MCG) for the amount of $1,434,000