[{"_1":2,"_87":-5,"_88":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6482605,"mediaKeyId","5810772-815de5e7e2e0e38e9b684a4080f8feb9","parentId",5810772,"title","County hears LMR feasibility briefing; consultants to scope tower sites and encryption needs","audioSeconds",354,"startMs",2478000,"endMs",2832000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5810772-815de5e7e2e0e38e9b684a4080f8feb9&start=2478&end=2832","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5810772-815de5e7e2e0e38e9b684a4080f8feb9/thumbnail_2478000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6482605/Bourbon-County/Kentucky/County-hears-LMR-feasibility-briefing-consultants-to-scope-tower-sites-and-encryption-needs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6482605-9b6835d432fefc2b5d3f217b1e6aa12f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775131984&Signature=Z~zvty1DU6Lev6mce~JflULwStD0wVyDDA0ry5jIjUEsgnRgAU7fjIROQBWrwZK5mborklZG8SErn4wHFH46MiOUx7WnuQkLP1gMk77SxljV-PGEhUUzfC1f6Sxi24VzlFtKd-YgQqAonybullmsVgR51VnXH8Cg1KsgrwOwF1iN~NO~PNuzfGRirqHmAjAjbvnPfiPzU8izedPSpPmmq8Zs7iRPPDrzKbMxwhkXhmgeu2NQQCqdWuG3n7xiRytM4zYp0GVmcu0L-3QV4VG6gYF~8WhIpIV5nG9V9vfebDaPlR1uuv8WJpGqcFFBFSW4WR5DpMAMRuea404baaWRkA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Bourbon County","date","2025-08-26T00:00:00Z","article","Bourbon County commissioners heard an extended briefing Aug. 25 on options and next steps for a new Land Mobile Radio (LMR) system intended to support law enforcement, fire and emergency services.

Technical background and choices

Chris Martin, information technology director for Linn County, described differences among frequencies and digital radio technologies and summarized Linn County's experience transitioning to a digital radio system. He emphasized the distinction between frequency bands (VHF, UHF, 700/800 MHz) and digital technologies (NXDN, DMR, P25). Martin and commissioners noted that VHF frequencies propagate better in hilly, tree-covered terrain common in the region; higher 700/800 MHz bands require denser infrastructure to achieve equivalent coverage.

Martin said his county chose NXDN for its environment after testing P25 (800 MHz), DMR and NXDN. He cautioned that P25 trunked 800 MHz systems can require multiple new towers and carry large price tags; a 2012 study cited by the briefing estimated a P25/800 MHz system could cost about $12 million then, and participants suggested that figure has risen substantially since.

Study contract and funding

County staff said they have discussed a phased study and vendor selection process with a consultant group identified as TUSA (Tusa Consulting). Commissioners were told the consultant phase 1 study cost is roughly $32,000, which would include tower/site recommendations, radio and encryption requirements, and a report to guide an RFP. The minutes show commissioners discussed sharing the phase 1 study cost with the City of Fort Scott and other stakeholders.

Encryption and CJIS requirements

Speakers also spoke about encryption and criminal-justice information (CJIS) compliance. Martin said the FBI's CJIS policy revision enacted in 2022 broadened the definition of personally identifiable information (PII) and that transmitting CJIS-protected information over radio airwaves now requires encryption. He explained practical approaches used in other counties: some agencies encrypt a single channel (requiring users to switch to that channel to transmit PII), while others build encryption across shared channels and avoid repeated channel-switching by users.

Local experience and cost examples

Martin offered local numbers from Linn County's multi-year rollout: Linn County reported roughly $750,000 in capital and site work to date for an NXDN system that included building new tower sites. The briefing included examples of mobile/handheld radio unit costs that vary widely with technology and encryption; Martin said mobile radios can range from roughly $2,000 to $5,000 depending on options and encryption. Commissioners cited a 2012 estimate that building a P25 800 MHz system could have been about $12 million then and discussed an updated rough estimate of $18 million in today's dollars if Bourbon County pursued a full P25 800 MHz statewide-style system.

Next steps

Commissioners were told TUSA would perform a phase 1 study, gather stakeholder requirements (sheriff's office, city police, fire departments, emergency management) and produce a recommendation on frequencies, technologies, tower sites and estimated costs. If phase 1 is accepted, the consultant would proceed to subsequent phases including an RFP and oversight during installation. County staff said the sheriff will be asked to support the study and follow-on funding discussions; the minutes show commissioners discussed phasing the project, pursuing grant or shared-city funding for studies and equipment, and returning with a funding plan for the next budget cycle.

Ending

Commissioners said they wanted to slow down and let the consultant confirm local needs, terrain constraints and costs before committing to a technology or vendor. Martin and staff offered to answer follow-up technical questions and work with county leaders on outreach to other stakeholders.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Bourbon County Commission meeting 8-25-25","oneSentenceSummary","Commissioners heard a technical briefing on options and costs for a Land Mobile Radio system; consultants will complete a phased feasibility study and recommend options tailored to Bourbon County's terrain and public-safety needs.","taxTitle","Bourbon County, Kentucky","taxId",71615,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6482609,"Bourbon County commission votes to exceed revenue-neutral property tax rate after public hearing",9805,333000,10138000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5810772-815de5e7e2e0e38e9b684a4080f8feb9&start=333&end=10138","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5810772-815de5e7e2e0e38e9b684a4080f8feb9/thumbnail_333000.jpg","/articles/6482609/Bourbon-County/Kentucky/Bourbon-County-commission-votes-to-exceed-revenue-neutral-property-tax-rate-after-public-hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6482609-24e23bf87fdf9eab800f51b237efa3ce/orig.mp4?Expires=1775131984&Signature=Gqc300XIY0ZT9pWAXJ5Tv~rtAkfg8~n9FD-DQpEF09rnTqtrL37CFNXJi4sBIxU15HaDHjTR~oV9UHyWVUkqimuZUScTD0udfEGK69D3xynfu2xRoPGfy5Rgihw4KYuXcjhPp8ei8zSFY1UcmtykYNjTmdJsoYRhlz6NBwtEMVf023dagMxmhuZeFZ6rD6vwVV3~wq4yUhWUBJSqp3dkZOFuTunOPrzfKkygQ-L~BQ50LgPIu6C-dKx3OOaqsYMGxC0clM76i5eA9aqrkBfiMOLc3ExY9xMdV1VHmLMohRUB8ni2vy9WX7OAw0AKN3sLhvQ9VRgdt~67xlIBrbfDVg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bourbon County Commission voted Aug. 25 to adopt Resolution No. 29-25, directing the county to levy a property tax rate that exceeds the county's revenue-neutral rate of 57.55 mills after a public hearing and comments from residents.

The move followed a public hearing on the revenue-neutral rate that drew several speakers who said rising property valuations and other cost pressures are making homeownership unaffordable for long-time residents. \"This year our tax bill for half was $2,606.51,\" said resident Angie Kimmer, describing a household tax increase she said has climbed steeply since 1998. \"You're going to tax people out of your community.\" The hearing also included comments from residents who said a large share of a homeowner's bill is levied by other taxing entities, not the county.

The hearing gave commissioners an opportunity to explain the process. County officials said the revenue-neutral notice establishes a maximum levy each taxing entity may adopt; it does not automatically set the final rate. Commissioners told attendees the county accounts for roughly 30% of the total property tax bill on a typical parcel and that other taxing entities'budgets (city, state, school and community college) also affect a homeowner's total bill.

After receiving public testimony, a member of the board introduced a resolution (recorded as Resolution No. 29-25) describing the calculation of the revenue-neutral rate and stating the governing body's intent to levy above that rate. The resolution text in the minutes said the revenue-neutral rate had been calculated by the Bourbon County Clerk at 57.55 mills and that the governing body, \"having heard testimony, still finds it necessary to exceed the revenue neutral rate.\" The commission moved to adopt the resolution and the motion passed.

According to the meeting record, the motion to adopt Resolution No. 29-25 was made during the meeting and later approved by roll call. The recorded roll-call votes in the minutes consist of votes listed as \"Tran: Yes,\" \"Bearby: Yes\" and \"Melbourne: Yes.\" The minutes show the resolution was adopted and the board directed staff to publish and proceed with scheduling the formal budget hearing. Commissioners discussed publication deadlines and agreed to publish required notices by the third of the month and to hold a budget hearing on Sept. 15, with an additional special meeting scheduled Sept. 29 to finalize the budget schedule.

Practical effect and next steps

The resolution adopted on Aug. 25 authorizes the county to levy a rate exceeding the revenue-neutral figure; the adopted minutes indicate the governing body will set the final mill levy and publish the budget and hearing notices as required by state procedure. Commissioners said they plan to continue public engagement and to consider additional budget adjustments before finalizing levy amounts. They also discussed the broader need for a strategic plan to address long-term spending, staffing and service priorities so residents can see how tax dollars are to be used.

The meeting record shows the commission approved consent items including accounts payable and payroll: accounts payable of $312,004.21 and payroll totaling $296,107.46 were included on the consent agenda approved earlier in the session. The commission schedule in the minutes includes additional public hearings and budget work sessions in September.

Ending

Commissioners said they understood the community's concern about rising bills and invited taxpayers to attend the upcoming budget hearings to offer further input. The board signaled it will review citizen comment and budget options before formally adopting a final levy and budget.","After a public hearing with multiple residents urging caution on tax increases, the Bourbon County Commission voted to adopt Resolution No. 29-25 to levy a property tax rate exceeding the revenue-neutral rate of 57.55 mills.","actionData","errors"]

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County hears LMR feasibility briefing; consultants to scope tower sites and encryption needs

Bourbon County commission votes to exceed revenue-neutral property tax rate after public hearing