Commission discusses $7,950 tower upgrades, weighs $400,000 fiber option

Duchesne County Commissioners on Sept. 2 reviewed a quote for $7,950 to upgrade equipment at a county communications site to improve reception and provide free satellite television service for low- and moderate-income residents.

County staff described the work as site upgrades to existing equipment intended to provide more consistent service in the Duchesne area. The staff presentation noted the county has previously updated other towers and that the quoted $7,950 covers equipment; installation would be performed under an existing contractor contract rather than billed separately.

Commissioners and staff also discussed a longer-term alternative: bringing fiber to the site. One participant recalled a prior estimate “about $400,000” to go to fiber rather than upgrading the tower equipment. County staff said they have cost information for a fiber route but did not present a formal recommendation at the meeting.

Under the plan discussed, the contractor identified as Terry would install the new equipment under his current contract; staff said they would work with Terry to obtain an invoice and finalize the purchase. No formal motion to approve spending was recorded in the transcript excerpt provided.

Why it matters: County-owned communications infrastructure provides emergency and information services in remote areas. The $7,950 purchase is a short-term, lower-cost upgrade, while a fiber build would be a substantially larger capital project if pursued.

Next steps and context: Staff indicated they will follow up with the contractor (Terry) to get an invoice for the quoted work. Commissioners did not record a final decision on pursuing fiber during the public portion of the meeting.