Radios for ambulances, firetrucks discussed at Colfax budget workshop

New radios for the firetrucks and ambulances were among the money-related items discussed at the City of Colfax’s budget workshop Wednesday night.

Brandon Bruxvoort, Colfax fire chief, said this year they are going to finish getting the radios they purchased installed in their vehicles. So far, two portable radios have been purchased and four more single-band portable radios have to be purchased.

“Last year, we were allowed to increase our budget over a three-year period for the radio upgrade for Jasper County’s new 800 megahertz digital system,” Bruxvoort said. “We’re in the second year of the switch.”

Colfax mayor David Mast said he recognizes how expensive this will be, but understands why it is necessary.

“When we did this in a meeting, it looked like a lot of money for the police. But it looked like a whole lot of money for the fire (department) because so many people doing the change,” Mast said. “If they’re just sitting in the vehicle, that’s one thing. But when you start going with hand-held (radios), it gets really...”

Bruxvoort responded by assuring everyone they will not be wasteful with spending money on radios they won’t use.

“I’m not buying 12 portable radios,” Bruxvoort said. “There’s no increase in that line items for us. It was critical for us this year and last year because we started out with nothing.”

Other budget items discussed during the meeting included approving a purchase of a pup for their swimming pool, a resolution approving the Colfax Main Street annual support fee and setting up the public hearing for vacating property on Maple Street.

City clerk Nancy Earls said money may have to be used in the future to help with Adult and Teen Challenge of the Midlands, to help clean up their cemetery, which appears to be growing more dilapidated.

“Hopefully, this ends up working out, which we don’t know if it will right now,” Earls said. “We’re just toying with the idea. They said they were interested.”

Earls also reported the mowing of the schools, which the city is responsible for, cost a total of $11,144. The costs were for labor, fuel and maintenance, and Earls reported everything was successful with their grass-cutting performance.

“In addition to that, they bought the lawn mower, which was $6,004,” Earls said. “I haven’t heard if they want to continue with the program. I’ll have to contact the superintendent about that.”

Contact Orrin Shawl at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or at oshawl@newtondailynews.com