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Council committee backs $1.8M supplemental to relocate Dickerson radio tower; total project cost now $3.8M
Summary
The joint committees recommended to the full council a resolution and FY25 capital‑budget amendment that would add $1,800,000 in GO bonds to move the Dickerson public‑safety radio tower off private smokestack property to county land off Ash Road; the project’s total cost is now estimated at $3,800,000 and the private owner has asked the county to
The Montgomery County joint committees recommended to the full council, without objection, a resolution and a supplemental appropriation that would add $1,800,000 in general obligation bonds to the FY2025 capital budget to relocate the Dickerson public‑safety radio tower.
County staff said the tower is currently sited on private property atop a smokestack and that the private owner has asked the county to remove the tower. The county’s lease on the private property has expired and the county has been operating month‑to‑month. Staff told the committee the county has identified a new site on county property off Ash Road and needs to move the tower promptly; the private owner indicated an 18‑month window to vacate.
The supplemental appropriation and amendment reflect an increase in projected total cost for the project to $3,800,000. The $1,800,000 supplemental is intended to cover costs of moving the existing tower and shelter to the county site in FY2025 because market volatility and higher material and construction costs have raised the project estimate.
Staff and technical managers told the committee that backup communications architecture is in place while relocation work proceeds. County staff said the 12‑tower public‑safety radio architecture is “self‑healing” and that other towers or temporary cellular towers and microwave backhaul can provide sufficient voice communications if service is disrupted during relocation. A TEBS representative told the committee the new site will not create coverage “dead spots” because it is close to the existing smokestack location and the microwave backhaul will reacquire signals.
Shamus McNamara of the county Office of Management and Budget told the committee OMB supports the request. The joint committees recommended the resolution and budget amendment to the full council without objection.
Committee members asked about the month‑to‑month lease and whether it creates risk. County staff said Department of General Services is in communication with the new private property owner and that staff expect to complete the relocation ahead of the owner’s June 2026 timeframe. Staff said contractors and existing vendor contracts can erect temporary towers to cover capability gaps if needed.
The committee’s action will be reported to the full council for final consideration.
