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Sawyer County approves 250‑ft communications tower to bolster public‑safety radio coverage
Summary
The zoning committee approved a conditional use permit for a 250‑ft tower in the Town of Metabrook to host Simocast emergency radios after contractors and the sheriff described coverage gaps and public‑safety benefits.
The Sawyer County Zoning Committee approved Conditional Use Permit 26‑016 for a proposed 250‑foot self‑supported telecommunications tower on land owned by the Town of Metabrook. The site is intended to host the county’s Simocast radio system and other emergency communications infrastructure.
Gary Piller, Gencom contractor for the county, told the committee the area lacks coverage within roughly a six‑mile radius and that the tower "is critical to the communications…for public safety — fire, EMS, paging." Sheriff Doug Moroch said the tower is essential to support the new county radio system and help first responders maintain reliable communications.
Staff said setbacks, floodplain, and other zoning requirements had been addressed and that a land‑use permit and financial assurance (bond) would be required unless the county remained the tower owner. The committee approved the permit with conditions in the staff report and with findings that the tower promotes public health, safety and efficient use of public funds.
The committee authorized staff to finalize land‑use permitting details and bonds as needed before construction proceeds.
