Tower Controversy Appears Solved for Floyd County 911 Communications Project 

Dust up over tower placement, part of an estimated $5 million overhaul of Floyd County’s emergency communications system, appears to be settling. 

Last July, the Board of Supervisors greenlit an upgrade to the current 911 system, equipment which has become too costly to constantly repair. Improvements would also get Floyd County on the statewide 911 ISICS system, all in an effort to improve efficiency in communication among law enforcement and emergency services. That could also lead to improved response times.

During a Board meeting last Wednesday (02.21), Supervisors noted an influx of some 100 emails opposing a proposal to erect a tower as part of the project on the grounds of the Fossil and Prairie Park Preserve near Rockford. It would also be near the statue and monument honoring Rockford native and former Navy Seal, Jon Tumilson, killed in Afghanistan in 2011.

During their meeting Monday (02.26), Supervisors went into closed session before County Attorney Todd Prichard reviewed details of the County’s offer to instead buy property across the road from the park owned by Steve Schlader.

Before Supervisors voted to officially extend the purchase offer, Board Chair Mark Kuhn said the group opposing the tower placing at the preserve, led by Joy (Tumilson) Bush, was receptive to the relocation.

Schlader told Supervisors he was agreeable to the possible location, but he would need more time before making a decision on signing off on the deal.

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