Mower County law enforcement could soon take a big step forward in joining the rest of southeast Minnesota when it comes to radios.

Sheriff Terese Amazi informed the county board Tuesday that a grant is now available to pay half the cost of three 800 megahertz radio consoles for dispatch that would cost about $175,000 each.

“That would give us interoperability throughout the county to communicate with our neighbors,” Sheriff Terese Amazi said.

Mower County is currently one of the last holdouts still on the old VHF system, which has been in place for many years.

Through grants, the county has purchased about 120 radio units for law enforcement fire, EMT officials, and rural EMT and fire officials. The newest grant would replace the main radios in dispatch. However, the system would still work with Mower County’s VHF systems, too.

“This would give us a lot more flexibility in dispatch,” Amazi said.

Mower could be making the full change over to 800 megahertz soon. If the county doesn’t fully commit to 800 megahertz in four years, they’ll no longer be eligible for grant dollars, according to Amazi.

Sheriff’s Sgt. David Pike said officials with the 800 megahertz system are open to giving grant dollars to Mower County.

“Being the last holdout, they’re very interested in getting Mower County on board with this program,” he said.

The county wasn’t initially available for this proposed 50-50 match until recently, since it was first offered to counties fully vested in 800 megahertz radios.

“We just became eligible last week,” Amazi said.

In order to receive the funds, county officials will have to make up their minds soon to pay the other half of the bill and make a formal response by Sept. 20.

The county board tabled its decision until it has more information on exact costs and more information on whether E911 funds are available.

A key factor will be the county’s budget, as Commissioner Jerry Reinartz noted they’re currently looking for cuts, not additions to the budget.

The county is facing a budget shortfall in Health and Human Services, and the state recently announced Mower would receive about $400,000 less in County Program Aid.

The finance committee is in the middle of meeting with departments to discuss budget needs.

“After we’ve met with everyone, we’re going to have to do some serious work on that budget,” Reinartz said.

Reinartz suggested the county try to include it as a cost within the Government Center Remodel. Construction will be underway early next year, but the grant dollars require the new system to be in place by June.

Amazi said she inquired about an extension to that rule.