In a recent meeting held on April 13, 2025, the Sawyer County government discussed significant advancements in the public safety radio system, a project aimed at enhancing communication for emergency services across the region. The meeting, led by Andy, focused on the updated proposal from Gencomm, the company tasked with developing the new radio infrastructure.

The discussions highlighted the commitment made in February to allocate $2,825,000 for the project, which includes a contingency budget. The updated proposal from Gencomm aligns with this financial plan, ensuring that the project remains within the estimated costs. The proposed radio system will consist of six to seven tower sites strategically located around the county, with plans to construct one new tower in the Draper area. The remaining towers will be leased from existing sites, including those in the Meadowbrook and Edgewater areas, as well as the WOJB Tower.

A notable aspect of the proposal is the use of an existing tower at the Flambeau Correctional Facility, which will help improve coverage in the southeast corner of the county, an area that has previously faced communication challenges. The system will utilize microwave backhaul technology for connectivity, with future plans to potentially integrate fiber connections.

The urgency to move forward with the project was emphasized during the meeting, with a resolution presented for board approval to expedite the process. This initiative is crucial for enhancing public safety communications, ensuring that emergency responders can operate effectively across Sawyer County.

As the project progresses, the community can anticipate improved emergency response capabilities, which are vital for public safety. The next steps will involve finalizing the resolution and continuing to work closely with Gencomm to implement the proposed system.