Towers could pull in revenue

The $26.7 million county emergency communications system is slated to be fully operational in January.

Floyd County officials are drawing up a template that could be used to lease space on the countywide emergency radio system towers.

“We do have some interest already,” County Manager Blaine Williams told the board Tuesday.

An agreement between the users also would specify that any revenue would go into a maintenance fund for the $26.7 million system. Williams said he didn’t yet know what the county would charge but “it would be competitive with other leases.”

Commissioners heard Tuesday that a mix- up with the initial Federal Communications Commission and state radio licenses led to a delay in completing the project.

County Emergency Management Director Scotty Hancock said he expects all agencies to be transferred onto the system in January, but a final test won’t be possible until May. He wants to be sure leaves on the trees won’t block transmissions — and they will have fallen by the time the system is fully operational.

“We’re buying coverage and we want to know we’re getting what we paid for,” Hancock said.

Commissioner Garry Fricks — who chaired the meeting in the absence of Chairman Irwin Bagwell — noted that the contract with Harris Corp. contains a penalty clause for delays. But Williams and Hancock said snags on both sides contributed to the situation.

“It’s a shared responsibility,” Williams said. “And, but for leaf coverage, it would be done on time.”

The project is funded through the 2009 special purpose, local option sales tax.

In other actions Tuesday, commissioners:

Awarded a $ 10,250 contract to low-bidder Innovative Roofing Inc. of Atlanta to repair the roof on Thornton Recreation Center in North Floyd Park.

Awarded a $43,828.29 contract to Daiken McQuay of Atlanta, the sole source to repair the 18- year- old chiller providing air conditioning at The Forum and the Judicial Building.

Deferred discussion on the location of a new fire station, pending further information on how the proposed site on U. S. 411 East would affect insurance ratings in the unincorporated area.