911 Board Approves Tower System Guidelines

Steps should be taken soon in an effort to improve communication between rural fire departments in Effingham County.

The Effingham County 911 Board Tuesday voted in favor of adding 11 tower sites, three in the city of Effingham and eight others throughout the county.

The Effingham County Board Monday approved the release of $495,600 for the system of eight rural tower sites. It will cost $179,200 for the three sites in Effingham. 911 will maintain ownership and control of the system, with the City providing maintenance on the three sites in Effingham. The three sites in the city will remain on the city frequency, while the rural sites will utilize the county frequency.

It is expected that the system will go digital at some point.

Also Tuesday, the 911 Board approved wage increases for personnel at the same rates as are paid County employees; and $30 gift cards were approved for each 911 employee as a bonus.