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JACKSON – Grant funding will cover most but not all of the cost to replace radios for Northampton County’s E-911 department.

At their meeting on Nov. 20, the county commissioners approved an agreement with the North Carolina 911 Board for the grant funding. That agreement comes with the expectation that the county will cover the remaining costs.

E-911 Director Lakeshia Ransom presented the information to the board, explaining that their radios have been “obsolete” since 2018 and are in need of replacement. The full cost is $678,488.45 but she had applied for a grant from the NC 911 Board to help with the purchase.

The grant award will total $438,263.97.

That leaves the county responsible for the approximately $240,000 difference, though Ransom noted that she may be able to get a funding reconsideration in the amount of $180,000. That would reduce the county’s obligation to $60,000.

“But that is not guaranteed,” she emphasized.

Commissioner Geneva Faulkner wanted to know which account those county funds would come from.

County Manager Julian Phillips answered that they had enough money in the emergency fund balance to use if necessary.

Commissioner Kelvin Edwards motioned to approve the agreement, and Commissioner Ed Martin seconded. The vote was unanimously in favor among those in attendance. Commissioner Melvetta Broadnax Taylor was unable to attend the meeting.

Board Chair Charles Tyner thanked Ransom for seeking grant funding that was available. He noted that citizen safety was a priority, and new equipment will help with that goal.