Funds running out for Creston radio tower

As Union County Emergency Management Coordinator Paul Ver Meer steadies himself into his new position, a future expense on the horizon has taken his attention.

During October’s meeting, Ver Meer discussed the EMA’s capabilities of handling an update to Creston’s radio tower, which will require one next year and cost more than $100,000. As it stands, EMA can’t afford it.

Routine repainting of water towers, which EMA uses for radio equipment, requires the equipment on these towers to be moved temporarily. This process can be expensive.

These expenses have already left a heavy mark. This year, equipment being moved off Lorimor’s water tower cost Union County $69,414. The cost for Creston’s tower is expected to be even higher.

“EMA doesn’t have any money to pay for [the Creston tower],” Ver Meer said. “I don’t know what we’re going to do. Got to pay a portion of it; it’s going to be impossible.”

EMA’s portion of Lorimor’s update will be added to EMA’s budget for $41,000, which Ver Meer said will “hurt us bad.” Although conversations of the Creston tower’s update were for discussion only, it highlighted an incoming expense EMA needs to have a plan for.

Budget discussions will take place for the next fiscal year through early 2026, with Ver Meer requesting Union County to be “generous.” The Creston tower will likely be updated during the next fiscal year. Ver Meer is planning to hold extra meetings with the EMA commission to make sure the budget and timeline will be possible.

Ver Meer discussed other items during the meeting. The former Creston police chief looked into updating EMA’s IT, requesting a quote from Mainstay who already work with the police department. The EMA commission discussed gathering bids from other companies as well.

Union County Sheriff Brian Bolton was assigned to function as oversight for the EMA’s National Qualifications System. Bolton will sign off and approve work as requirements are fulfilled by Ver Meer. Ver Meer said this operates similarly to his time at Creston police.

A public hearing for a budget amendment was scheduled for EMA’s next meeting on Nov. 19. To cover EMA’s portion of the Lorimor radio tower project, $41,000 will be added to the budget.

EMA’s conference room will be a drop-off point for a Thanksgiving can drive. More details will be discussed in a future meeting.