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Commission hears plan for new public-safety radio tower after federal grant denial
Summary
Officials described a denied congressional direct-spending grant for a new radio tower to fix radio dead zones; cost estimates ranged from $1.6 million down to $1.1 million and county staff described a proposed local cost-sharing split if the county pursues other funding.
Sheriff's office staff and county officials reviewed a multi-agency effort to secure federal funding for a new public-safety radio tower to address radio dead spots in buildings and countywide coverage gaps.
Sheriff's staff described prior outreach for a congressional direct-spending grant and said the county's application had been denied; officials attributed the denial to application language and said they plan to reapply when the next funding round opens. "This is critical — the 800 system cannot penetrate many buildings," the sheriff said, noting that UHF previously provided better in-building coverage.
Officials said initial quotes for a new tower and associated equipment ran as high as $1.6 million and that county negotiators had reduced the estimate to about $1.1 million by exploring use of existing tower sites and equipment-sharing arrangements. The county described a proposed cost-share among jurisdictions: Gary County 40 percent, Junction City 40 percent, Grandview 15 percent and Milford 5 percent, subject to discussion and approval by the 911 board.
Commissioners and staff discussed possible local-match sources, including restricted 9-1-1 accounts that have constraints on allowable uses, and options to rent capacity on an existing tower to offset costs. County staff said they would pursue additional grant opportunities, work with the 9-1-1 board and coordinate financial and legal review before committing to any construction.
No formal county vote was taken; staff were asked to continue planning and to prepare for quicker action when the next grant window opens.
