A call comes into 9-1-1, the telecommunicators send help using radios. But the radio system local public safety agencies use is getting ready to go through a major transistion. "It is something that we have to do so that we can make sure that we protect the citizens of Rowan County and to make sure those
firefighters, law enforcement and those EMS personnel are there when they need them...," Telecommunications Director Rob Robinson states.
As radio systems transition from analog to digital by 2013, that change costs money. Rowan County also needs a $12 million radio upgrade because service is spotty and the required transistion to digital will worsen existing coverage.
To pay for the project, the county has placed a quarter cent sales tax referendum on the ballot. Here's what it comes down to: For every $4.00 you spend, you will spend one extra penny. Those pennies will add up for the county.
Voters in Rowan County are heading to the polls to vote on the referendum. County leaders plan to use the money for the required upgrade to emergency radios in the county and additions to the jail to alleviate overcrowding.