JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – As part of the statewide interoperable radio network, counties across North Dakota will need to be sure they have the correct equipment.

The upgrade to the needed equipment is expected to be very costly to Stutsman County.

Stutsman County Emergency Manager Jerry Bergquist gave the commission all the information they needed to make a decision Tuesday night.

Bergquist reports that to purchase three consoles and install them, it will cost around $313,447. He says the Sheriff’s Office & Law Enforcement are also asking for encryption on the system.

By the time everything is done, the cost for the project is estimated to be at $366,000. Bergquist says the entire state is working on the saem projects.

Bergquist says there’s a lot to lose if the county doesn’t make the move to upgrade. He says the county would essentially become an “island” if they don’t approve the upgrades.

Stutsman County Auditor Nicole Meland says the county should consider approving the project.

Bergquist says the vote to raise the 911 fees on cellphones and landlines will help pay for the project, but they should just about breakeven after moving the purchase the consoles in 2019.

The commission voted unanimously to approve the purchase the new consoles.