County officials plan $6.5M upgrade for new 800 megahertz communication system

The St. Croix County Public Protection meeting on May 1, 2025, focused on significant upgrades to the county's emergency communication system. Key discussions centered around the transition to an 800 megahertz band, which aims to enhance communication capabilities for public safety agencies.

County officials outlined a funding request of $6.5 million to support this transition, which includes the construction of a new tower in Hammond. Additionally, a larger request of $11.6 million is anticipated for 2027 to further enhance the system and address coverage gaps. This plan includes the potential construction of additional towers, particularly in areas such as Exit Highway 128 and the northeast corner of the county, where current coverage is insufficient.

The meeting also highlighted the need for public safety agencies to upgrade their radios. Many existing radios are limited to VHF frequencies, and officials discussed the costs associated with new equipment. A single band 800 megahertz radio costs approximately $4,000, while a dual band radio, which can operate on both VHF and 800 megahertz, is around $8,000. Officials reassured agencies that they could opt for a single band radio and manage with multiple devices if necessary.

Collaboration with neighboring counties was emphasized, as officials from Pierce, Polk, and Dunn Counties participated in discussions about shared long-range plans and the increasing demands on public safety services. The meeting underscored the growing population and rising complexity of emergency calls, indicating a pressing need for improved communication infrastructure to support public safety efforts in St. Croix County.