Wow. Maybe I misread the article. Where did it mention trunking?
According to the database, they have 4 transmitters, two are repeaters, maybe all 4. To replace them with P25, 100 watt repeaters, using existing antenna and hardline, anywhere from 10k each, to 25k, depending on the koolaid flavor.
Leaves at least 140k for subscriber units. P25 subscriber units from 1,250.00 up, that is a max of at least 140 subscriber radios.
Over 10 per department, plus any that they already have.
And thats if they go P25. IDAS/NXDN/DMR/TRBO could lower their prices and double the number of subscriber units they could get.
When you go narrowband, the industry is pretty much going with expect a 3db loss in range, You can snatch that 3db right back by going digital.
I don't even see the government grant being discussed, shame on them for not applying for an Assistance to Firefighters grant - this year they are almost all getting funded. Why not take that grant money and using it for this?
Seems like a much better solution than the millions I see being used elsewhere.