Baxter will have to search for funding to purchase a new radio communication system for volunteer firefighters.
Baxter Fire Chief Matt White requested the system last month, as several volunteer firefighters are without a radio. But the low bid came in at $16,000. Mayor Danny Holmes said the city’s budget is tight.
“I want them to have radios,” Holmes said. “It’s just something that we are gonna have to find the money, and it’s not in the budget. So maybe we are hoping that maybe we can apply for a grant, and we would be more than happy to buy his radios for him.”
White said if funding the full costs would be such a strain, the city could purchase half the amount of radios. White said receiving some radios would be sufficient for now.
“If we could just get some, we could put those into use with our most frequent people that we have and try to put that back in circulation and get radios for everybody before it’s over with,” White said. “It’s not ideal, but it’s better than none.”
Holmes said he does not want to ever put a volunteer in jeopardy due to a lack of communication.
“It is a concern,” Holmes said. “Chief White is right, it needs to be done, and hopefully we will find the money to get it done.”
Holmes said he will reach out to the Upper Cumberland Development District to explore available grant opportunities. Holmes said the bid is valid for 90 days. If a bid is not awarded within the 90-day window, then the city would have to rebid.