The board of supervisors of any county is hereby authorized and empowered, in its discretion, to purchase the necessary and suitable equipment required to install a complete radio base station, including mobile units to be installed in cars and motor boats, after having legally advertised for same as required by law, and to maintain the same and to make such necessary repairs and to purchase replacements and parts so as to keep the same in good order as may be necessary for the efficient operation of said station. The said radio station shall be operated by the sheriffs of said counties for law enforcement purposes. All of the expenses of said station may be borne by any available funds of said counties, including its general fund. However the board of supervisors of any county is hereby authorized and empowered, in its discretion, to purchase new or used two-way shortwave equipment without first advertising for same as required by law, provided the total cost of said two-way shortwave equipment shall not exceed the sum of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00).

Any county may cooperate with one or more counties in purchasing and maintaining the radio base station herein authorized, and in such event, the cost may be prorated among them by contract.

Any county may cooperate with any municipality located in said county in purchasing and maintaining the radio base station herein authorized, and in such event, the cost may be prorated between said county and municipality by contract. Said county and municipality may employ such dispatcher or dispatchers as in their opinion may be necessary to operate such radio base station.