December 23, 2008

The Madison County board of supervisors recently voted against improving emergency communication, even though officials admit that they do have to deal with areas where emergency responders can't make or receive calls.

The plan was originally proposed so the county could meet an FCC requirement that all state and local public radio systems use less channel width by 2013 to improve communication.

"If we want stuff we have to pay for services and if we want services we have to pay taxes and to me that's just the way it is," said Simone Watkinson, a Madison County resident.

But Madison County officials say there's no way they can afford the multi million dollar communications upgrade proposed by Motorola.

"This is a service that we would have to be providing and we are providing at, ok a slightly reduced efficiency than maybe it's done in Loudoun County or Fairfax County but we're dealing with a much more mountainous terrain, so how much money can you throw at a problem," said Madison County Supervisor Bob Miller.

Officials say no matter what communications system they adopt, there will always be dead spots. Right now county officials say their current system is doing the job even though there was one instance when it took several minutes for a deputy to get in touch with dispatchers.

"An instant that occurred when they were using a handheld walkie rather than a mobile radio and they were just in one of our spots that's difficult to communicate out of," said Robert Finks, director of emergency communications in Madison County.

"If there is an emergency, then how do you get to them," said Greg Henshaw, a Madison County resident.

Officials say there is no way they could afford the upgrade without raising taxes of residents during tough economic times.

"We would love to be able to do it, but we're the ones that are fiscally responsible for the county and we couldn't put that kind of pressure on citizens," said Miller.

And while some residents are glad their taxes won't be raised, others think the price is worth it.

"I think that it saves a life they should go ahead and fund it," said Watkinson.

Miller says that their decision doesn't mean they won't take action in the future. He says that there are cheaper options to still consider.