Board weighs options for county radio tower: retrofit, removal or reuse as backup

County leaders discussed the future of a county radio tower and related communications equipment, reviewing options that include retrofitting the existing tower, using it for a limited period, or taking it down and selling the land. A board member reported a vendor quote of $303,500 to enable new antennas and lighting on the existing tower. Staff said utility costs for the tower site run about $2.50 per month, roughly $3,000 per year, and that the county already purchased antennas months ago that could be installed on another tower if needed. Separately, county staff are moving primary antennas for 901 and the service department to a site near 5 Mile Hill (Preston Road). The plan will raise antenna height at that site from roughly 300 feet to about 450 feet; staff said that move is expected to resolve many coverage issues and that the existing tower would serve as a temporary backup should 5 Mile Hill not fully meet needs. Staff described operational constraints: some tower work must be hand‑installed and all climbs done without wind protection, and any removal would require cutting guy wires and salvaging materials. The county also owns about 5 acres at the tower site; staff noted there is interest in that property and that the county might clean up and sell or lease the land if the tower is removed. No formal decision was made; staff said they would monitor performance after the 5 Mile Hill antennas are active and return with a recommendation if further action is needed.