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Dispatcher Celeste Kramer sits at one of the Llano County Sheriff’s Office’s two dispatch consoles. If approved, a $1.6 million grant from the Capital Area Council of Governments could expand the dispatch to three new consoles and make other improvements. Contributed
Llano County commissioners agreed Monday to ask for a $1.6 million grant from the Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG) to pay for much-needed communications consoles in the sheriff’s dispatch office.
The grant would not be matched by county funds, said County Judge Ron Cunningham. However, he said there would be expenses involved in installing and upgrading the equipment if CAPCOG approves the grant.
Boni Whitecotton, who supervises the dispatch operation, said at times dispatchers cannot communicate with all the field units. She noted that during a spate of wildfires in 2018 there were units in the field who dispatchers couldn’t hear because of radio limitations. That also happens when several agencies are working together.
Cunningham said commissioners are “working on” finding the money that will be needed to help install and operate the new equipment if the grant is approved.
There’s no timeline on grant approval or console installation.
Separately, commissioners also delayed action on a standing agenda item to change the county’s current situation of no burn ban. However, county Emergency Coordinator Gilbert Bennett said the recommendation to not impose a burn ban could change by commissioners’ next meeting.
The next regular meeting will be Monday, Aug. 9, at 9 a.m. at the county Law Enforcement Center on North State Hwy. 16 in Llano.
