Oakland Back in Court over Costly Detroit-based Radio System
Oakland County, Michigan (March 13, 2006) -- Today, Oakland County Drain Commissioner John P. McCulloch filed formal objections in federal court claiming Detroit officials are attempting to unfairly charge water and sewer customers for the lion's share of a $131 million radio system that primarily serves the public safety needs of Detroit.
"Detroit justified signing a contract for this expensive radio system because it claimed it involved matters of Homeland Security," McCulloch said. "But if the radios cannot talk to police and fire departments in the suburbs, it clearly fails any Homeland Security purpose."
According to an in-depth document filed with the court (see link below), the principal reason for the radio system was for police, fire and emergency medical services within city limits of Detroit.
McCulloch said it also is important to note that 10 new radio towers were built within Detroit city limits, but none were added in the suburbs.
"That is an indication that the towers were built to support public safety functions within Detroit," McCulloch said. "Since no towers were needed in the suburbs for the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, it is clear that a less costly mobile system would have been adequate for DWSD needs.
"The major beneficiary is Detroit police, fire and emergency medical personnel," McCulloch said. "Public safety issues should be funded by the citys general fund, not by suburban water customers. DWSD shouldn't be picking up the lion's share of the cost merely because it can tap into suburban coffers."
McCulloch pointed out that Detroit's financial crisis contributed to the unfair allocation of costs.
"By shifting a greater portion of the cost to the DWSD, more of the tab could be picked up by its suburban customers," McCulloch said. Thats not fair and I won't sit idly by and let that happen.
McCulloch explained that over a 15-year period, utilizing more reasonably priced communication devices like those provided by Nextel would save at least $32 million.
The court has not yet set a date to hear the matter.
