Three project funding questions are on the Newtown Budget ballot today during the referendum on the tax and spending plan for the coming fiscal year.

One asks for approval that would allow upgrades to the current Public Safety communication system which is at “End of Life” for First Responders.  Newtown officials says an entire system replacement is needed to ensure critical response and support while providing emergency services to residents.

The present system is 18 years old and key components could fail during normal daily use, which can result in temporary and major costly repairs. This is not an expansion of the town’s existing First Responder communications system, it replaces the current aging system, greatly reducing the risk of catastrophic system failure.

The upgrade replaces outdated infrastructures and base stations from circuits to IP based networked systems, new control sites and enhanced coverage for responders. This will provide improved reliability and survivability of the system.