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Newton County approves $194,566.83 final payment for South County communications tower; repairs delayed until paid
Summary
Commissioners approved a budget amendment and final payment to Texas Premier Communications for a South County communications tower, enabling vendor payment but delaying liquid-tower repairs until the vendor receives funds; court discussed outstanding radio coverage needs for Burkeville volunteer fire responders.
Newton County commissioners approved a final payment of $194,566.83 to Texas Premier Communications for a South County communications tower and authorized a budget amendment to place the payment on today's bill list.
A county official told the court the tower installation (microwave link, radios and related equipment) is complete and functional, but the contractor is withholding additional liquid-tower work until the final invoice is paid.
"The tower company won't start the repairs on a liquid tower until they get paid for the tower they installed," one commissioner said during debate about whether to add the bill to today's payments.
The court moved and approved a budget amendment to transfer cash into the appropriate fund and to pay the invoice; the motion and the budget amendment were seconded and carried on a voice vote.
Commissioners also discussed continuing coverage gaps for rural volunteer fire departments. The Burkeville Volunteer Fire Department and neighboring districts lack reliable radio connectivity with the sheriff's office in portions of the county; commissioners estimated one repeater and frequency programming could cost roughly $28,000'$30,000 and agreed to add a follow-up agenda item for a dedicated discussion with the fire departments.
The county will process the vendor payment and monitor outstanding work on the liquid tower once funds are disbursed.
