JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Jamestown Police Department and Fire Department will be outfitted with new radio and communication equipment to align with the statewide SIRN2020 network.

Jamestown Fire Chief Jim Reuther reports three bids were received, but only one stood out due to the specifications that would be necessary to serve his department.

Reuther says GPS capability would also be necessary, but two of the bids did not meet that need. It would also be the most cost effective for the department and city.

For the Police Department, Chief Scott Edinger says each bid would meet their requirements, but the biggest determining factor is the cost.

He added they have spare parts that could be used to service the Kenwood radios if needed in the future.

The cost for the radio replacement for the Fire Department would be $121,827 and $171,270.40 for the Police Department.

The general fund would be used to pay for the radios, but the state would reimburse both the Jamestown Police Department and Fire Department a portion of the total cost.

The Fire Department would be reimbursed $75,000 and Police Department would be reimbursed $79,500.

The council unanimously accepted the bid from Jamestown Communications for the purchase of the Kenwood radios during a special meeting on Thursday.

Councilmember Dave Schloegel was not present.

The Jamestown area towers to be on the statewide system are estimated to be installed during the first half of 2023. Radio delivery from Jamestown Communications could take upwards of six to eight months.