Nelson County seeks bids for communications towers to improve dispatch coverage

Nelson County officials plan to pursue new communications infrastructure to improve emergency dispatch coverage across rural terrain, Judge-Executive Tim Hutchins said on the county radio program.

Hutchins said the fiscal court approved soliciting bids for two towers — one at Culvertown Ballpark and another in the H‑town area — and that the county has an agreement to colocate equipment on an existing carrier site at Culvertown that will save money. He mentioned Verizon and AT&T as likely carriers involved in tower agreements.

The judge-executive said dispatch operations have been under county supervision for two years and the county needs upgraded computers and systems; he argued that modern dispatch technology is essential for effective police and fire response. Hutchins credited the county EMA director and county engineer for leading the coordination with carriers and emergency departments.

Hutchins did not provide construction costs or a procurement timetable on air but said bids will be taken and the county will seek arrangements that lower expense by using carrier towers where feasible.

Why it matters: improved radio coverage and system upgrades directly affect first-responder communications and public safety in parts of the county where terrain limits signal strength. Hutchins said these upgrades are an operational priority.