Tillamook County, OR – Today, the Tillamook County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to refer a bond measure to voters for the November ballot to modernize the county’s decades old public safety emergency communications system.
“The system first responders use to communicate with 9-1-1 dispatchers and each other in an emergency is outdated, with components that are 20 to 30 years old.” said Commissioner Doug Olson. “Upgrading the public safety communications system will help save lives by ensuring our first responders have a reliable way to respond to emergencies.”
The current system lacks reliable, countywide coverage because of its age and does not align with new state and federal standards. The technology is so out-of-date that the majority of replacement parts are no longer manufactured and can only be found secondhand on eBay and Craigslist. The resulting gaps in coverage mean that while residents can still call 9-1-1 and speak to someone, the dispatcher could potentially be unable to send emergency responders where they are needed or be unable to remain in contact with first responders in the field. Additionally, the ability of first responders to communicate among each other is impaired.
“Sheriff’s deputies experience radio issues almost daily with the system we rely on to communicate with 9-1-1, each other, and partner agencies,” said Tillamook County Sheriff Josh Brown. “The aging system causes poor coverage across our expansive county and poor sound quality puts all of our first responders and the community at risk.”
Agencies who rely on the system for their regular operations include Tillamook County Emergency Communications District (9-1-1), Adventist Health Tillamook Ambulance, Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office, and local fire and police departments and districts. The system is also used as needed by the US Coast Guard, the Oregon State Police, and the Oregon Department of Transportation, among others.
If passed, the measure would fund upgrades to the system that would:
- Provide more consistent radio coverage and reliable communication throughout the county’s diverse terrain and remote areas – from the coast to the mountains, and across our long coastline
- Increase communication quality with reduced noise and improved signal through buildings
- Reduce response times by simultaneously transmitting information to first responders at the same time
- Have modern technological features, including data transmission, GPS tracking, conversation playback and data services
- Strengthen emergency preparedness by improving connection with neighboring counties, state, and federal partners
- Improve communication across all public safety agencies, as well as between hospitals and doctors
If passed, the bond would cost approximately $0.33 per $1,000 of assessed value. The average homeowner in Tillamook County would pay approximately $7.91 a month, or $94.95 a year. The bond amount would be for $24,400,000. The cost includes core network equipment, backhaul network equipment (racks, routers and radios), user equipment (radios, pagers, and control stations), and tower site improvements.
If the measure does not pass, the system will not be upgraded and property taxes will not increase.
Voters in Tillamook County will see this measure on their ballot for the November 5, 2024 election. To learn more, go to https://tillamookpublicsafety.org/