Commissioners hear update on South County communications tower; testing and equipment pending

Newton County received an update on a planned communications tower intended to improve countywide radio coverage.

Mark, the staff member overseeing the project, told the court the contractor will perform a compression test on recently poured concrete and that structural corrections to certain components are underway. He said once those items are complete the county will register the tower and proceed to finish site work and equipment installation.

Commissioners and staff discussed using an existing building at the site, adding air conditioning and a generator, and ensuring backup power (propane and generator) for critical equipment. Mark also addressed portable-radio coverage and noted that environmental factors—cloud cover, humidity and terrain—can affect radio performance; he said the new system should improve coverage but estimated timing remains optimistic and could be six months to a year.

The court did not take formal action on the tower at this meeting but directed staff to continue updates; staff said they will notify the court as milestones such as passing compression testing and generator installation are completed.