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If you think the physical first responder and emergency radio system is complex, how about the process of setting a fee  the county needs to charge to implement the looming equipment upgrade and replacement plan.  Support for existing equipment phased out in 2019,  and the slow fade when parts are still somewhat available is at its end.

The time has come to replace radios and support accessories on Minnesota’s ARMER network.  (Allied Radio Matrix for Emergency Response) 

The first looming hurdle for county policymakers is what to charge those departments and organizations leasing and/or purchasing radios outright.  Some departments have new equipment, having spent their bonus funds received during federal covid disbursements and economic recovery program aid.

Yet, many participating fire departments and responders do not have new inventory and also need to decide on which radio design best fits their needs;  should they be dashboard or console mounted, what type of display features should there be, does the unit need to be “rugged” or basic.  The list goes on.

Technical issues also impact costs,  like whether the radios can be re-programmed using Wi-Fi or not.  

Communications systems equipment advisors Mike Parker and Dennis Wilton, (county Enterprise Services division), told the county commissioners they need direction from the policymakers on fee amounts.

Charges collected might vary;  if the equipment was bought by the county and leased to users who reimburse the county for the upfront outlay, or if equipment is directly acquired by the participant and fees are for supporting the system.  

County commissioners and staff had a discussion on a fee amount for either scenario.   

Auditor-Treasurer Bridgitte Konrad advised there should be consideration for the county financing (borrowing) expenses as well.

Commissioner Marlys Dunne felt the goal is to get all the equipment updated and wean some of the reluctant departments off “old equipment.”  She did not immediately support fee revenue for carrying costs.

Commissioner Jim Swenson, who attended this budgeting meeting via the Internet, said he will not support anything that is not fair, to all on the county’s ARMER.  

He argued it has been known for some time that radio system rehabilitation costs were coming, adding,  “We can’t let any others off the hook.”

County officials also need to nail down the county share for funding the Metro Emergency Radio Services Board as well.  

Chisago is charged $70,751 for 2026, which was $66,123 for 2025 and $62,000 in 2024.  The fee is tentatively projected to grow to $96,782 in 2030.

Staff equipment professionals Wilton and Parker also described departmental personnel restructuring they would like to pursue which, on the positive side,  should  make it possible to greatly reduce the annual Motorola service contract for the system.  County legal counsel will be looking into whether the current contract can be revised or renegotiated.

No date is scheduled yet to meet with ARMER communities, but there will be a comprehensive ARMER system Chisago County gathering convened.  

Commissioner Rick Greene mentioned Almelund Fire & First Responders have expressed they prefer a leased radio arrangement.  North Branch, Wyoming and Lakes Area police departments have already carved out some radio agreements and may or may not be involved.  

Stacy-Lent and Wyoming fire departments may also be independently acquiring their radios.

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