Despite cutting back on capital improvement projects due to budget woes, the Navajo County Board of Supervisors approved the expenditure of $98,246 to purchase new radios on Feb. 8.

The radios will meet new requirements being put in place by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Public Works Director Homero Vela explained that the county has until January 2013 to comply with the regulations, and that just over 150 radios will need to be replaced as a result.

“The FCC has mandated that effective Jan. 1, 2013, all public safety and business industrial land mobile radio systems operating in the 150-512 MHz radio bands must cease operating using 25 kHz, wide-band, efficiency technology, and begin operating using at least 12.5 kHz, narrow-band, efficiency technology.” Vela explained. “The public works department has slightly over 150 radios that will need to be replaced to meet this requirement.”

Vela noted that by making the purchase now, while funds are available in the capital improvement budget, it would reduce the burden on next year’s budget, when funds might be more difficult to allocate.

“The public works department has available funds budgeted under the capital improvement projects and would like to utilize those funds for the purchase of these radios in order to minimize future cost,” he noted.

The board members unanimously approved the purchase.

In other action Feb. 8, the board:

* Approved a resolution designating SACCNet (State of Arizona Counties Communication Network) as a county emergency services project.

If completed, the project will help place infrastructure for telecommunication networks, such as broadband, for inter-government communications to speed communication, especially during emergency situations.

* Approved renewal of a contract with Midwest Cancer Screening for services provided through the public health district.

* Approved the expenditure of up to $25,000 in District I special road funds to supply the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) with culverts.

* Approved extension of a contract with Canyon Pipe and Supply for one year for supply of culverts and bands.

The next board meeting is set for 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 22, at the county complex in Holbrook.