Doug Olson, Tillamook County Commissioner, explained proposed Measure 29-180 at a Rockaway Beach City Council meeting. He informed us about the current issues and lack of replacement parts for maintenance of the current radio system. Doug Olson said there is need for adding a couple of new radio towers as part of the measure.
A few ideas came to mind after Doug left the meeting. Why invest in a new radio system? Isn’t there a cellular alternative? A cellphone based system would have many benefits: public, civil and emergency services. Cellular would add live video, GPS locator, audio recording, real-time 911 and 988 services as well as expanded visitor and resident access to areas not currently covered. Maintenance and equipment upgrades would be part of the provider’s contract rather than a county expense. With multiple cellular service providers in Tillamook County, competition would keep service costs in check. Back up power for extended periods of time would have to be part of the contract and cost of operation by the cell tower operators.
Measure 29-180 is misguided and wasteful.
I understand it would be necessary to add cellular towers to extend service to non-covered areas in Tillamook County. Not all customers would have to use the same carrier.
Expanded cellular service would resolve health and safety issues in areas like Oceanside and Netarts. These areas are not currently covered. Tillamook Lightwave could support this concept and lower operational costs. It’s easy to purchase a cellular phone. Replacement radios would have to be ordered from a single source vendor.
A cellular system and Tillamook
Lightwave would cover 100% of Tillamook County, providing emergency services, residential and tourist access. Anyone anywhere could call for assistance 24/7. The $25 million dollar price tag for an out-dated radio system is misguided and wasteful. Let’s join the 21st century.
John Goertzen
Rockaway Beach resident
