Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Communications Tower Project topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners hear progress report on county communications tower; contractor says new tower chosen
Summary
County staff updated the court on a communications-tower project, reporting compression tests, decision to install a new tower after retrofit costs approached new-tower cost, and an optimistic but uncertain completion window (estimated six months to a year).
County staff and contractors updated the commissioners on the status of a communications tower intended to improve radio coverage across Newton County.
Mark (addressed during the update) and another staff speaker reported that contractor Craig Reed is overseeing concrete work and that a compression test is required before proceeding. Staff explained a choice to purchase and install a new tower after evaluating a used-tower option and finding retrofit and bolt replacement costs comparable to buying new. Speakers described plans to outfit a building on site, install air conditioning and a generator, and add a propane tank if needed.
The contractor and staff emphasized that radio performance will still depend on terrain and atmospheric conditions; while the new tower is expected to improve coverage countywide once it is operational, factors such as cloud cover and humidity can affect reception in certain areas. A schedule estimate given in the meeting ranged from roughly six months to a year before full service is realized.
Next steps: staff will continue testing and contractor work, procure site equipment (generator, propane as needed), and return to the court with updates; the court discussed logistical support and county property considerations during the project.
