Yes, the Feds (Federal Government after taxing "We the People") have provided SOME of the funds for the Interoperability System. Those funds existed as a result of so-called Homeland Security concerns regarding communications during times of "National Emergency". However, as I pointed out a couple of months ago in a protracted diatribe with another member, the Charles County system went over budget by a whopping $10 million. Charles County taxpayers enjoyed making up for this oversight. The original $15 million project had Homeland Security Funds applied, yet after installation had begun and the county was committed, county taxpayers had to make up the difference! Worse, a majority of county taxpayers had no idea that such a project had been considered or was in construction mode. This writer is not against the system! He is against citizen taxpayers not having an opportunity to chose or vote how their taxes are used. Taxpayers here in Charles County are a sensitive lot, as most are throughout the Country. They just suffered the reprehensible indignity of having to pay a FLUSH TAX, which is an annual $30 fee to upgrade sewage treatment plants in Maryland. Trouble is, you get charged even if you have your own well and septic tank! Cohenner 5377 eludes to the huge hidden cost to all taxpayers everywhere regarding interoperabilty systems. Those of you considering your new 800 system would be wise to let your citizens know the price of your system and have public meetings for their input! Just how much should the system really cost?...and how much is from greedy contractors overcharging starry eyed local officials not wanting to be the last on their block to have a 800 system?????
