This week, Barton County officials accomplished more in the continuing effort to get improved radio coverage for emergency services in the county.
County Administrator Richard Boeckman explained at this week’s Barton County Commission meeting, that it has been determined that there would be better coverage in the eastern part of the county with an antenna in Ellinwood.
Boeckman told the commissioners that Ellinwood city officials have agreed to allow the county to establish an antenna on the city water tower at 209 W. First at no charge.
Commissioners also approved a bid from Mobile Radio Service, for the tower installation and equipment for $6,038.
911 Director Doug Hubbard explained the new antenna will be installed at 140 feet, which is lower than some other equipment, but it will be high enough to make a difference in that region. “It’ll do quite well in that area,” he said. “This will help our county coverage.”
Earlier this year, commissioners approved two arrangements for tower use as part of the continuing project to make the county ready for the narrow band radio systems that are being required around the state.
Commissioners approved an agreement with Claflin to use its city water tower for antenna placement and that agreement was at no cost to the county as well.
The commission also approved a lease with Mid-Kansas, Inc., which is part of Cox Communications, for a fee of $200 per month.
Those towers in the northern part of the county will help to improve communications in that area, also.