Mercer County officials discuss installing PERI weather stations at Beulah Bay and Hazen Bay
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Summary
County staff described a proposal to place Internet‑connected PERI weather stations at two vulnerable park areas; park boards have indicated financial support and staff said grant funding and shared cost models will be explored before the County commits.
Mercer County commissioners discussed a proposal to install PERI weather stations at Beulah Bay and Hazen Bay to improve local severe‑weather alerts and fill radar coverage gaps.
Alice, a county staff member, told the board she had sent information about the PERI weather system and that Beulah Bay and Hazen Bay are currently the most vulnerable locations. She said both park boards had spoken favorably about the idea and that Hazen Park had indicated it would help support the system financially.
The County will need an Internet connection at each site for the units to operate. Alice said the system is “run by Wi Fi” and that the park host sites and campground stores at those locations have Internet access. She advised the board that the county would set its own activation policies — for example, which wind speeds or storm proximity would trigger public alerts — and that the weather station would cover roughly a 5‑mile radius around each installation.
Commissioners and staff discussed costs and funding options. Alice gave a preliminary estimate of about $10,080 for the first year for the package she reviewed but said that figure could be trimmed by removing optional sensors. Commissioners noted park boards had expressed willingness to contribute and suggested funding could also come from grants or by adding a small camper fee; one commissioner said, “I'd be inclined to support this and move forward with it,” while another urged the board to identify precise funding sources before approving any purchase.
Alice said she would investigate grant possibilities with the state and explore whether existing county grant programs could cover part of the cost. She proposed returning with a fuller proposal and confirmed she would try to get the item on the next regular agenda; commissioners agreed to place the matter on the special meeting or the August agenda once the park boards’ commitments and grant prospects were clearer.
The board did not take formal action at the meeting. Commissioners requested staff return with a funding plan, confirmed commitments from the park boards, and more‑detailed cost options before the county approved any purchases.
