Sheriff explores change to MARCS radio system

MEDINA — The Medina County Sheriff's Office is exploring whether it wants to change over to the MARCS radio system. If it does, though, it will come at a steep cost. County Administrator Scott Miller said the county has $1 million in remaining outstanding debt after building towers that are compatible with the Harris system. Overall, he said the county has a $2.8 million investment in the Harris system, which would be "thrown out the window" if the sheriff's office switches to MARCS. The county might have American Rescue Plan funds available for such a move, but it isn't sure it's eligible. "We have to be cautious of how we spend American Rescue Plan money," Miller said. "If it's not in compliance, you have to pay the money back." The Multi-Agency Radio Communication System is an 700/800 MHz radio and data network that utilizes state-of-the-art trunked technology to provide statewide interoperability in digital clarity to its subscribers throughout Ohio and a 10-mile radius outside of the state. The L3Harris P25 system combines the benefits of an IP-based network with industry-recognized P25 standards. The result is a single, cost-effective, IP-based network with high reliability. Its P25 mobile and portable radios deliver clear and secure communications with proven interoperability. Currently, the county is split with half of the agencies using MARCS and the others using Harris. MARCS provided a $50,000 grant to each fire department in the county last year — 13 in all — to purchase radios that they are required to use for a two-year period. Brunswick Hills Fire Chief Anthony Strazzo said he strongly believes in the MARCS system, largely because it's a statewide radio system paid for with tax dollars. Police departments in Brunswick, Brunswick Hills, the Medina County Drug Task Force, MetroParks and Ohio State Highway Patrol are using MARCS. The sheriff's office, Medina police, Hinckley police and Medina Schools, among others, are using the Harris radio system. Wadsworth police and fire use a UHS 400 system but are in the process of switching to MARCS. Sheriff Terry Grice hosted a meeting recently with agencies from all over the county to discuss the radio communication systems. He said there are now two bills proposed in the State Legislature: one that would force all agencies in the state to use the MARCS system, and the other to connect the MARCS and Harris systems. He said the goal is for the best communication within the county in emergency situations. Medina police Chief Ed Kinney said sometimes communicating with other agencies becomes very complicated if they are using different radio communication systems. "It's a challenge for everyone to communicate with each other," he said. Kinney said his department switched to a Harris system in 2018, and couldn't be happier with it. "We did a lot of research on it," he said. "I'm happy with the Harris system for our needs. It offers good coverage, good clarity and good range." Miller is concerned that if the sheriff's office switches to MARCS, it would cost millions of dollars to build compatible towers. He said the county would not be reimbursed for expenses previously incurred. If the county is forced to switch to MARCS, it would be forced to pay MARCS a $20 fee per radio per month and would lose $350,000 in state funding. Miller said the Harris system was originally selected because it met both the functional and budgetary needs of the county and political subdivisions. He said the state is "attempting to create a 'one-size-fits-all' system while using county 911 monies to fund the project." House Bill 801, currently being considered in the State Legislature, would mandate state and local entities, including Medina County, switch to the MARCS radio system. The bill was proposed last year and is being resurrected. Rep. Sharon Ray, R-Wadsworth, has been active in discussions about the issue. She has asked the Medina County commissioners to testify against HB 801. Commissioner Bill Hutson said he hopes that the County Commissioners Association of Ohio takes a stand on the issue. "We'd lose in many ways with this," Commissioner Colleen Swedyk said. "It's creating a monopoly for one company. I believe around the state, government entitles should be able to make a choice. What about the $2.8 million we've already used?" When the original proposals for the radio system were received, Miller said MARCS was disqualified because it did not have an option for a 400 radio system. He said this was a requirement because all the fire departments in the county had 400 systems at the time. Grice said there are six Harris towers in the county (that serve Wadsworth, Medina Township, Granger, Hinckley, Erhart and Lodi) and two MARCS towers (that serve Montville and Brunswick). Hutson said 76 of 88 counties in Ohio are using MARCS. "It's being pushed," he said. "The county went with Harris to support fire (departments). They converted (to MARCS) and now want the county to convert." The Harris radios are not compatible with the MARCS radio, although they can be converted. "The issue is the towers," Miller said. "There is a huge push not to allow other systems to talk to each other," Commissioner Steve Hambley said. Contact reporter Bob Finnan at (330) 721-4049 or rfinnan@medina-gazette.com.