It could cost the Boyle County Sheriff’s Office about $24,000 to replace its radios in order to maintain clear communication with the Danville Police Department after Feb. 1.

Boyle County Sheriff Derek Robbins told the Boyle County Fiscal Court that he had gotten a state bid on the radios his office needs — it will be about $24,040.80, but as of March 1, the bid will increase by $13,000.

“This will enable the sheriff’s office and the police department to communicate back and forth, whereas if we don’t, there’s going to be some lag time getting to our sheriff’s department,” said Magistrate Jack Hendricks.

The Danville Police Department will make the switch by Feb. 1, Robbins said.

County Treasurer Mary Conley pointed out to the court that the radios were an unbudgeted item.

Robbins said he doesn’t have enough in his budget to cover the costs.

“We still have a few more days. If a couple of the franchises were to come in before January 1, it’s possible. But, no, at this point we don’t have that in excess,” Robbins said. 

He explained his office is paying off debts that were inherited.

“They will be very close to completed,” he said. “We’re going to be very very close.”

“More good news,” said Judge-Executive Harold McKinney.

Robbins said he would do a bit more research before the next fiscal court meeting to confirm all of the numbers.