Okanogan County publishes Prop. 2 webpage

OKANOGAN – A new informational website that provides facts to the public about upcoming Proposition 2, Okanogan County Sales Tax for Emergency Communications Systems and Facilities on the November general election ballot has been published by the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office and Okanogan County.
The website, okcoec.com, highlights many factual aspects surrounding the need to upgrade the county’s aging emergency system, including:
• Existing radio repeater equipment is based on 40-year-old technology.
• Existing radio repeater equipment is at end of life and manufacturer support ends 2020.
• No replacement parts for repairs. - Radio repeaters and the radio system are used by all Fire, EMS and Police first responders in Okanogan County.
• Radio system is crowded due to a 19.6% increase in the volume of events (2011-2018) that Fire, EMS and Police agencies respond to.
• Radio system failures due to old equipment equals increased risk to citizens, property damage, personal injury and risk of injury to first responders.
Proposition 2 will appear on the Nov. 5 general election ballot.