County Commissioners Will Revisit 911 Radio System

Washington County Commissioners unanimously approved a measure to make appointments as county representatives to the contract currently in effect with MRA as it relates to the upgrade of the county’ 9-1-1 emergency response radio system. The County appointed the V-Comm company of Edison, New Jersey as the chief county representative. Public Safety Director Jerry Coleman was appointed as the alternate. Commissioners directed V-Comm to immediately conduct an audit of the equipment purchased and construction progress to date and report back with its findings. They are also directed to make any recommendations to commissioners regarding their findings. Commissioner Chairman Nick Sherman states that he is concerned about reliability of the current system only covering between 30%-40% of the county and if the new system created by MRA will live up to federal Department of Homeland Security coverage levels of 95%. He is considering the current contract to be open and steps will be taken to rebid the project. In other county business, the county, during its salary board meeting created the full time position of Public Relations Director. The Public Relations Director position pays $82,000 annually. Sherman’s former Chief of Staff Patrick Geho will assume the responsibility. According to Sherman, Geho has worked in former Governor Tom Corbett’s office performing similar duties. Geho will work to provide consistent and regular messaging to residents of Washington County.