SUBJECT
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Resolution to increase established user fees for the use of Public Safety Radio System and Radio Communication services provided by the County and to adopt policy guidelines for such services (estimated $35,811,600 revenue over five years).
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DESCRIPTION
The Board of County Commissioners provides Public Safety radio communications services to many County, City, and State organizations within Polk County. The Board approved user fees to cover a portion of the costs of this service in 2013, subsequently approved a 5-year index increase in 2017, and again approved another 5-year index increase in 2021. Funding for these services also comes from moving traffic violation penalties, in accordance with Section 318.21(9), Florida Statues. Due to the continued decline of annual revenue from traffic violations, these funding sources are insufficient to meet the current cost of providing communication services for users of the Public Safety Radio System.
User fees reflect monthly rates on a per radio basis for the following categories: System Access, Subscriber Maintenance, and Subscriber Replacement.
The System Access Fee, charged to all organizations using the Public Safety Radio System, will go toward operation and maintenance of the radio system infrastructure. The monthly fee per radio will be $32.00 for FY 26/27 and will have an annual index increase to $40.00 for FY 30/31.
The Subscriber Maintenance Fee is charged for maintenance and operation of BoCC owned radios. The monthly fee per radio will be $50.00 for FY 26/27 and will have an annual index increase to $58.00 for FY 30/31.
The Subscriber Replacement Fee will fund planned replacement of BoCC owned radios on a 10-year scheduled bulk replacement cycle as older equipment is no longer supported by Motorola. The monthly fee per radio will be $40 for FY 26/27 and will have an index increase to $48.00 for FY 30/31.
Exhibit A shows details of radio user fee per FY and per category.
Exhibi...
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