Commissioners May Vote Again On Motorola Contract

Washington County Commissioners may have to vote again on a new emergency radio system contract with Motorola. Commissioner Larry Maggi tells WJPA News that Solicitor Gary Sweat has expressed concerns about how the contraact vote was handled at their August 15 meeting. Specifically, the fact that the cost and scope of the contract were not included in the motion that was approved on a 2-1 vote. Commissioner’s Chairman Nick Sherman and fellow Republican Electra Janis voted in favor. Maggi, who is a Democrat, voted against and questioned the lack of details in the motion both prior to and after the vote. According to Maggi, Sweat has told commissioners that he believes the matter should be brought up for another formal vote with specific details included when they meet September 19h to avoid any potential legal challenges. The contract is believed to total some $25 million.