The $16 million upgrades to narrowband Schuylkill County emergency communications is set to wrap up by July 10.
Scott Krater, county communications coordinator, gave the latest update on the project Wednesday at the commissioners' work session.
The upgrades to the county emergency communications system were mandated by the Federal Communications Commission to be operational by Dec. 31, 2013, but Schuylkill County was granted a waiver extending the deadline another year.
"We are on schedule to be completed by July 10," Krater said.
Motorola Solutions Inc. is making the upgrades for about $16 million, which is being funded through a $21 million bond issued by the commissioners in October 2012. Out of the total project cost of $16,388,145, Paul Buber, county finance director, said $12,478,813.40 has been expended as of Wednesday, meaning $3,909,331.60 in upgrades remain.
Narrowbanding the radio frequencies will allow a system to accommodate more radios while improving transmission quality and creating additional options for emergency communications, including signal encryption for police and other emergency personnel. Work over the last two years included installing antennae and lines at 11 different sites in the county.
Last week, the board approved a lease agreement for portable and mobile equipment for vehicles in the sheriff's department. The agreement is for five annual payments of $21,994.10. Similar purchases are expected for the other county debarments on the system.
The commissioners approved a 2013 budget adjustment for Rest Haven in the amount of $59,909. Buber said the adjustment was for general expenses and was told by Rest Haven management that it will be the last adjustment for 2013.
Service Access and Management Inc., Pottsville, took over financial management responsibilities for the county-owned nursing in July 2012. Last week, County Controller Christy Joy requested the commissioners return that responsibility to the county after finding various accounting errors, including late payments. The commissioners did not act on the request.
There was a March 7 deadline for 2013 payments, Buber said.
"I thank the controller and his staff for working with us," County Administrator Mark Scarbinsky said.
The nursing facility still owes a total of $557,927.71 in outstanding payables to the county general fund. The first of five $111,585.55 monthly payments was made this week. The deadline for the final payment is on July 2.
On behalf of the county veteran's office, the commissioners approved an agreement for 38,880 flags for Memorial Day decorations at the grave sites of deceased veterans. The cost is $0.52 per flag and they will be delivered during the week of April 21, 2014. The cooperative agreement also includes Luzerne, Lackawanna, Montour and Wyomiing counties.
The commissioners also proclaimed March as National Red Cross Month, recognizing the Schuylkill County Chapter of the organization and celebrating its many accomplishments.
The commissioners' retirement board meeting will be held immediately following the public meeting Wednesday. The monthly prison board meeting will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the prison classroom.