A vital upgrade to Scioto County’s emergency communications system is hitting bedrock—literally—and the unexpected cost could be covered by funds from Ohio’s opioid settlement.
The project to install a 310-foot MARCS (Multi-Agency Radio Communication System) tower on top of Feurt Hill in Clay Township has run into a pricey but anticipated problem: solid rock.
Feurt Hill, the 25th highest point in Ohio at 1,083 feet above sea level, was chosen for its elevation to improve coverage. But when crews began drilling to ground the new tower, they hit stubborn bedrock, preventing traditional grounding methods. The new tower, which will reach a total height of 1,393 feet above sea level, is designed to replace an aging 110-foot structure and eliminate dangerous dead zones in first responder communication.
“We are nearing the end of that project,” said Scioto County Commissioner Bryan Davis. “They’re installing equipment this week. We really appreciate the tower company—they anticipated this issue and had an alternate plan in place.”
That plan involves installing grounding plates, a specialized system that disperses lightning strikes and electrical charges across a wide area, rather than channeling them straight into the rocky ground. The added cost? Just over $25,000.
Davis said he wishes contingency funds had been available earlier, but noted the county had to stretch its ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) dollars across multiple critical needs. Now, with a tight county budget and officials urging departments to hold the line on spending, the search is on for alternative funding sources.
One possibility? The county’s share of Ohio’s opioid settlement.
“These funds are meant to offset the effects of opioids,” Davis explained. “This tower directly supports EMS, fire, and police who respond to overdoses and drug-related emergencies every day. I feel strongly that we can justify that expense.”
Commissioners voted unanimously to move forward with funding the necessary grounding upgrades—whether from the opioid settlement or, if needed, the general fund.
What Is the MARCS System?
Ohio’s MARCS network is a statewide, secure digital communications system for first responders, using 700/800 MHz radio and trunked data technology. The new tower is expected to dramatically improve coverage across Scioto County for police, fire, and EMS personnel.
Why Proper Grounding Matters
Tower structures like this are frequent targets for lightning strikes. Proper grounding protects not just the physical tower but also the sensitive electronic equipment installed on it—and the safety of the first responders who rely on it.
“You can count on this tower getting hit by lightning multiple times,” Davis said. “Grounding isn’t optional. It’s essential.”
With the final phase of the project underway, county officials say the finish line is in sight—and they’re determined to get it done, grounded and all.
