Outline for Floyd County 911 Tower Site Near Rockford Solidified

Last July, Floyd County Supervisors gave the go-ahead on a $5 million overhaul of the County’s current 911 system equipment, which has become too costly to constantly repair. 

E911 Board vice-chair Ben Chatfield said there are also holes in coverage.

Chatfield added that upgrades will also get Floyd County on the statewide 911 communications network.

If all goes as planned, Chatfield said the new system will be ready by late fall or early winter to improve response for law enforcement and emergency services.

One hiccup along the way was finding a location to build a 300-foot tower as part of the County’s network. After an initial proposal to place a tower at the Fossil and Prairie Park Preserve near Rockford was rebuffed by concerned citizens, the County agreed to purchase 1.5 acres across from the park from Steve Schlader for $70,000 plus 25% profit sharing for any tower rental space for 30 years. 

During Monday’s (04.08) Board meeting, Supervisors approved some minor changes in terms in the contract language, including that the agreement be transferrable to Schlader’s heirs if he should pass before the length of the contract.

Supervisors also discussed how to best determine the boundaries of the tower site, with Floyd County EMA Director Jason Webster offering some perspective.

Supervisors eventually agreed to the basic parameters of the tower site and look to finalize a contract with a surveyor to officially outline the site at their next Board meeting.