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Dubois County renews two 9-1-1 tower leases; staffing updates discussed
Summary
9-1-1 director recommended renewing two communications tower leases with moderate annual increases; commissioners approved both renewals and heard an update that 9-1-1 is interviewing candidates to fill staffing gaps.
Dubois County’s 9‑1‑1 director asked commissioners to renew two existing communications‑tower leases and explained why leasing remains more cost‑effective than building county‑owned towers.
Stuart Wilson told the board that the leases are unchanged in terms and include expected price increases of about 3% annually. He reported that outside vendors judged the proposed rates fair and said leasing local towers is cheaper than constructing and maintaining county towers to the necessary technical standards. "I did also...reach out to two different two‑way communications companies, and I asked their opinion about those price increases... They reported they felt like it was a fair rate," Wilson said.
Commissioners voted to approve the two lease renewals by voice vote. Wilson also updated the board on 9‑1‑1 operations: the center has had recent staffing turnover, some PTO payouts, and is interviewing candidates; he said he expects to fill at least one position soon but reiterated the challenge of onboarding and training.
The board approved the renewals and authorized signing the lease documents; the county will continue to rely on these leased facilities for first‑responder communications while monitoring costs and staffing.
