Polk County plans tower replacement to enhance public safety communication

During the recent Polk County Board of Supervisors staff meeting held on April 23, 2025, discussions centered around the urgent need to replace an aging communication tower that has served the sheriff's office for approximately 50 years. The current tower, deemed structurally unsafe, poses risks not only to the infrastructure but also to the communication capabilities essential for public safety across the county.

The county has earmarked $1.8 million from its 911 surcharge funds to cover the replacement costs of the tower, which is projected to total around $2.2 million. The funding is critical as there are ongoing legislative efforts that could potentially redirect these funds to state-level projects, which has raised concerns among local officials about the sustainability of their budget. The proposed legislation suggests a 50-50 split of the 911 surcharge funds, which could jeopardize local resources that have been carefully saved for this project.

The new tower is expected to enhance communication efficiency for various agencies, including police and fire departments across multiple communities in Polk County, such as Ankeny, Altoona, and Johnston. The replacement will not only ensure safety but also increase capacity for future needs, potentially generating rental income from cellular providers. This is particularly important as the current tower is operating beyond its capacity, raising safety concerns reminiscent of past incidents where overloaded towers have collapsed.

Officials emphasized the urgency of moving forward with the project, as delays could result in losing the allocated funds if the state legislation passes. The timeline for completion is set for 2025-2026, with plans to submit a resolution for board consideration in the near future. The discussions highlighted the importance of maintaining local control over public safety resources and the need for proactive measures to ensure the reliability of emergency communication systems in the face of legislative challenges.