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Sawyer County committee delays commitment to vendor-led radio network, seeks more due diligence
Summary
After reviewing two options for the county's public safety radio network'building county towers or joining a multi-county vendor plan'the committee said it needs more financial and technical review before committing, citing a Sept. 10 vendor deadline and concerns about coverage in southern Sawyer County.
The Sawyer County Public Safety Committee paused on a decision to join a multi-county radio network run by vendor "Bug Tussle," saying more legal and financial due diligence is required before the county signs on.
The committee's communication system specialist, Andy, briefed members on two options: Option 1 would have the county build its own towers (estimated by the consultant at roughly $2.4 million to $2.75 million plus contingency). Option 2 would use Bug Tussle to build a fiber ring and tower network and would spread costs across participating counties; Andy said the vendor's estimate looked lower but that the plan depends on a bonding cycle and additional legal documents that need review.
"If you had to put me on the spot and say should we do Bug Tussle today, I would say no," Andy said, summarizing his view that the available materials did not yet give the county sufficient comfort to assume shared debt. He said the county had received 15 documents from the vendor in the most recent packet and that corporate counsel and financial advisers are reviewing the agreements and a planned stress test of the company.
The vendor is asking participating counties to pass final resolutions by Sept. 10, Andy said. Committee members recommended scheduling presentations for the full county board so all 15 members understand the options before a final vote; Andy suggested a possible special board meeting before the vendor's deadline if necessary.
Committee members also made coverage requirements explicit: any vendor plan must provide reliable radio coverage into southern Sawyer County to protect EMS, fire and law enforcement operations. Andy said Bug Tussle's proposed tower sites may be adjustable but the county retains fall-back options, including building county towers or negotiating leases on existing tower sites such as the Mosaic Tower or a Kimberly-Clark site.
The committee did not take a formal vote on the network plan at the meeting. Andy told the committee that PMA, the county's financial counsel, is conducting additional stress testing on the vendor's financials and that more information will be presented to the full board before a commitment is recommended.
