IOLA — Allen County officials are evaluating equipment upgrades and potential tower improvements to address emergency radio coverage gaps as local agencies consider moving to the state’s 800 MHz system.
Sheriff Anthony Maness told county commissioners Tuesday that coverage remains a concern in the northwest and north-central portions of the county. A significant dead area in Iola also complicates the city’s ability to transition.
Maness plans to purchase equipment to test whether existing radios can be upgraded to communicate with Humboldt police. The sheriff’s office already has numerous 800 MHz radios, but not every patrol truck is equipped with one, and portable radios may be unreliable in some areas.
The county is gathering bids for a repeater, which receives and retransmits radio signals to extend coverage. Maness said a previous estimate put installation at about $2 million, with annual maintenance potentially costing tens of thousands of dollars.
Officials also are reviewing coverage improvements in neighboring counties and the potential use of Allen County’s existing radio tower. Commissioners discussed seeking federal assistance through U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran’s office.
County 911 Director Chelsie Decker also raised concerns about two employees at the new state park who cannot communicate through their primary radio system. Commissioner Jerry Daniels said allowing state agencies to use the county tower could improve coverage for those employees and emergency responders in Iola, LaHarpe and Gas.
The state has assigned Allen County its radio channels, but equipment and coverage challenges remain. Maness said the county will continue evaluating options and costs as agencies work toward a coordinated transition.
