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County radio administrator reports lightning strike damaged Dodge tower; insurance expected to cover costs
Summary
Tom Christensen reported a June 16 lightning strike damaged a Dodge County radio tower, affecting the tower-top amplifier and surge suppression; NIRMA insurance covers losses after a $2,500 deductible and the estimated damage could be up to $20,000, with repairs already underway and no formal board action taken.
County Radio Administrator Tom Christensen told the Fremont/Dodge County PSAP Governing Board that a severe thunderstorm on June 16, 2025 caused a lightning strike at the Dodge tower site that damaged the tower-top amplifier and the surge suppression system. Christensen said the lightning actually struck the ground and traveled through equipment to cause the damage.
Christensen reported the tower remains operational but sustained component damage; the tower is insured through NIRMA with a $2,500 deductible and, after accounting for the deductible, NIRMA will cover the remainder of the loss. Christensen estimated the total repair cost could be as high as $20,000. A tower crew inspected and performed repair work on July 3; once their invoice is paid it will cover the deductible and staff indicated there are sufficient budgeted funds for the expense. The minutes record this as a report only; the board did not take formal action on the matter.
No contract or vendor details beyond the tower crew visit were recorded in the minutes, and the board did not vote on additional expenditures at the meeting.
