Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Emergency Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners review EPIC fund purpose, discuss county communications shortfalls and tower costs
Summary
The board approved a first-reading ordinance clarifying the purpose of the county's EPIC fund for internet/communications infrastructure and discussed coverage gaps, tower costs (estimated $40,000–$60,000 each) and a fund balance of about $400,000.
Marshall County commissioners took first reading action on an ordinance clarifying the purpose of the county's EPIC fund (identified in the meeting as Fund 4904) and held an extended discussion about county communications coverage and the fund's potential uses.
John Groley (county staff) described the fund's intended use: "This basically is to secure high speed wireless Internet to our emergency responder headquarters, not necessarily for two‑way communications." He said the cost to build a single new tower site is roughly $40,000 to $60,000 and that the county likely needs at least two additional locations to improve coverage across the county.
Commissioners noted the EPIC fund has generated revenue from lease income on existing towers and reported a balance of around $400,000. They said the fund is primarily intended for internet and communications infrastructure, such as tower placement and high‑speed wireless access at emergency responder facilities, rather than directly underwriting radio system upgrades. One commissioner summarized: "It could create some avenues for some tower placements that could facilitate that upgrade. Yes."
Board members and staff discussed alternatives and partners, including satellite options (Starlink, T‑Mobile, Verizon) and the state's emergency communications body (IPSC), which they said has been reluctant to add new sites unless funded locally. Commissioners and staff emphasized the need for a strategic plan that maps dead zones and prioritizes investments.
The board approved Ordinance No. 2025-25 on first reading to establish the EPIC fund's stated purpose; commissioners said they would return with more detailed planning and coordination with emergency communications stakeholders and the county council for any large capital outlays.
No final budget appropriation for tower construction was approved at the meeting; commissioners indicated that the fund could be used for tower sites and associated high-speed internet projects but that major new radio-site infrastructure likely requires multi-year planning and larger funding sources.
