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Board approves $426,565 change order to build county public‑safety radio tower at Berlin site
Summary
After presentation from CTA consultants comparing a costly Sedley lease to constructing a county tower, supervisors approved a $426,565.35 change order and appropriation to build a new tower at the Berlin refuse site to improve public-safety radio coverage and reduce long-term lease costs.
County staff and CTA consultants briefed the Board of Supervisors on the public-safety radio replacement project and an unresolved lease negotiation at a privately owned Sedley Tower site. CTA reported the private owner’s best offer was $5,500 per month (with annual escalation), which the county estimated would cost roughly $1.2 million over 15 years.
Consultants presented a cost comparison and proposed constructing a county-owned 250‑foot tower at the Berlin refuse site. The one‑time change order to the existing radio contract was $426,565.35 (all-inclusive, per the presentation). Consultants said the new tower could also host additional commercial carriers to offset costs and recommended proceeding to construction to avoid long-term lease expenses.
Supervisors asked about FAA registration requirements for towers over 200 feet; consultants said registration and FAA markings would be required if the tower height triggers FAA rules. After discussion, a supervisor moved and the board voted unanimously to approve the change order and appropriation resolution to construct the new tower and begin permitting and environmental work.
Project next steps: finalize construction drawings, obtain permits, conduct environmental and geotechnical studies (NEPA/SHPO/component reviews), issue a notice to proceed and start construction (estimated 6–8 months to completion), with coverage testing scheduled in full foliage months to validate performance.
