Kewaskum, WI, with a population of approximately 4,000 residents, treasures its small town atmosphere. As the Washington County Daily News notes, there are plans to erect a 185-foot radio tower in a municipal parking lot in the downtown “village” section of Kewaskum. Some people expressed fears that the presence of a cell tower will deter businesses from settling in the area which will deprive the town of revenue.
“The village of Kewaskum fully supports having the location of a public safety tower in the village. However, the current location stifles our downtown economic redevelopment and the future growth of Kewaskum as a whole,” said Village Administrator Adam Gitter. “We are optimistic Washington County will recognize the opportunity to work together in creating a solution that benefits both parties, and most importantly, Kewaskum residents and businesses.”
In an email directed to detractors, Washington County Sheriff Marty Schulteis wrote, “The county has already $16,400 invested in the existing Kewaskum tower site for engineering. The County has already contracted with RACOM to build a new 185’ monopole at the site and remove the existing tower,” notes the News.
“Total construction for the existing Kewaskum PD site: $332,153.75 and we have been under contract with our vendor since the planning commission and village board approved the project under the current MOU,” said Schulteis. His comments confirmed that the project has been in the works for years and that the opportunity to choose an alternate location has passed and would potentially cost the county $500,000 to $800,000 to even revisit.
Washington County has attempted to take the initiative on safety and communications. The large scale upgrade includes plans to replace and refurbish portable and mobile radios in fire, police and public works agencies within the county. An older tower is being replaced by the proposed radio tower as part of this communications overhaul, according to the News.
“The radio tower project was approved in 2021, under different Kewaskum leadership, and has county-wide public safety ramifications. The contract has long ago been signed and the work has already begun,” said Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann. “I understand the new administration and leadership have a new vision for Kewaskum, and the tower placement is not ideal for the downtown development plans they would like to pursue. Washington County stands ready and willing to continue discussions about a long term plan that fits within the village leadership’s new vision, while ensuring public safety and holding the taxpayer harmless.” Schoemann indicated that the issue was slated for further discussion.
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