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Committee hears repeated delays on county radio tower engineering study; cost estimate mentioned
Summary
Committee members and the sheriff discussed long delays on a radio tower engineering study, named the consultant (Evan White) and raised concerns about communications blind spots; the sheriff estimated the tower project could cost about $500,000, with 9-1-1 paying a portion.
Trousdale County committee members pressed for progress on a long-delayed radio tower engineering study that county officials say is needed to improve spotty radio communications in parts of the county.
The sheriff told the committee he had repeatedly contacted the engineer on the project, identified in discussion as Evan White of Lafayette, and said the engineer kept telling him the study would be finished "in two weeks" but the completion has been delayed for more than a year. The sheriff described communications gaps in remote areas and said he had trouble communicating by radio while escorting the late General Thompson's body into the county.
On costs, the sheriff estimated the project total would be "about half million dollars," and said 9-1-1 would cover part of the expense. Committee members discussed siting the tower near the county water tower (Bert Steves was named as the location) and noted that contracting and hiring engineers falls under the mayor's responsibility; members asked the mayor to follow up or consider an alternative engineer if the current consultant does not complete the study.
The transcript records concerns about safety and service interruptions in areas described as "spotty" for radio service, but it does not include a project contract, schedule, or formal procurement decision. Committee members tasked the mayor and staff with confirming the engineer's status and next steps.
