The two bond issues represent the first borrowing package sought by the county since the new jail was approved by voters in 1989.
Voters will be asked to borrow $1.7 million for a new radio and data transmission system that would improve communications between sheriff's deputies and provide an important backup for municipal departments. The system also would set aside radio frequencies so departments from different towns could communicate during a large-scale emergency.
"For a number of years the sheriff's deputies have complained about the current radio system, which is a very old, antiquated system that we've Band-aided together to keep it in operation," said Bill Holmes, communications director for Cumberland County. The current system relies on broadcasting from two towers, which results in areas where deputies cannot communicate by radio.
"Over the years there have been a number of incidents. Frankly, we're fortunate we've made it to this point" without something serious happening, Holmes said.
The new system would make use of between six and eight antennas, in some cases using structures already in place.
The proposed system would do more than address current problems. It would give the county the ability to broadcast and receive large amounts of data, such as video streams. The county could then remotely monitor facilities, such as it now does with Gorham's public safety building, Holmes said.
The system also would provide a backup for other communities and improve the county's ability to take over dispatching for municipalities.
The radio system upgrade -- particularly the capability for municipal departments to communicate with one another during emergencies -- could benefit from Department of Homeland Security grants, which the county is pursuing. If those materialize, the bond would be reduced by a similar amount, said Cumberland County Manager Peter Crichton. Payments on the bond would cost $160,600 per year.
The county also is seeking $1.1 million to expand the jail's medical facility, which at times becomes overcrowded and can result in inmates being taken under police escort to hospital emergency rooms.
Jail medical staff are providing treatment for about one-third of the jail's 500 inmates every day in a space that was built for much less use, jail officials say.
Payments on the bond would cost county taxpayers $105,400 a year but would save about $45,000 in emergency room and transport costs, according to the county.
Staff Writer David Hench can be contacted at 791-6327 or at:
dhench@pressherald.com
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