The Lamar County 9-1-1 monthly meeting voted to award a contract to Bell Tower to build a new communications tower for the county jail. Board members reviewed competing bids and discussed technical specifications including tower height, foundation requirements and antennas before moving to award the contract to Bell Tower.

Members discussed two primary bids during the procurement review: Millico Incorporated’s submission (presented with an approximate total around $292,520 and an optional $15,000 FCC coordination fee) and Bell Tower’s lower bid, which the board said represented roughly a $50,000 savings compared with an alternative. Speakers questioned whether bids itemized antennas, installation, permits, bonds, and whether geotechnical studies and specific foundations were included; staff confirmed site prep was included in the winning bid.

Speaker 1 moved to accept the Bell Tower bid; Speaker 3 seconded the motion and the board approved it by voice vote. After the award, members asked staff to confirm estimated start dates, coordinate any temporary tower moves, and verify which party (including Franklin County EMA) would handle temporary connections and on-site setup.

The board noted the winning design is described as self-supporting and that bids referenced a geotechnical study and foundation depths rather than a one-size-fits-all footing. Members requested clearer, itemized documentation from the contractor about antenna sets, foundation assumptions and any permits or FCC coordination that might be required before construction begins.

The board’s next procedural step is for staff to follow up with Bell Tower on schedule, site logistics and any necessary interagency coordination; no final construction dates were announced during the meeting.