The meeting was led by Project Manager Cliff Brown, who presented the status of the upgrades and remaining equipment with particular attention being given to the radio equipment.
Paducah Mayor Brandi Harless spoke about the possible upgrades, saying, "The radio is the backbone of the communication of all the agencies, not just 911. It’s bigger than I imagined originally.”
Officials will now work to gather cost estimates for the project, find a funding method, and then develop a request for acquiring the new radio equipment.
McCracken County Judge Executive Craig Clymer chimed in, saying, "The number one priority exclusive to government is providing public safety. This is ground-level priority public service, and we’ve got to get it right."
According to City of Paducah Public Information Officer Pam Spencer, in 2017 Federal Engineers estimated that a radio system upgrade would cost between $13 to 14 million and would include radio infrastructure, radios, and antenna sites.
City of Paducah officials say the 911 center receives approximately 150,000 calls per year.
