Bonney Lake councilmembers authorized Sabre Towers to install a 180-foot tower for the public safety 800 Mhz radio system at their May 26 meeting.

The tower can also be used for internal city data transfers and renting space for another carrier.

The Sioux City, Iowa, company will construct the tower in a gravel parking lot across from Allan Yorke Park.

It will be an 18-sided, 24-inch metal monopole and is designed to withstand winds up to 85 mph with no ice.

There will be four 6-foot microwave dishes installed as well.

“This is a good move forward for our public safety coverage with our radios,” Police Chief Mike Mitchell said. “It’s a much-need addition to give the city some options for internal communications.”

Mitchell said because of of the tower, the city could rent space on the tower to other agencies in the future.

“There are actually three spots on the tower, the top for public safety and the second for the city,” he said.

Deputy Mayor Dan Swatman said the tower will provide a good communication path for police and the city.

Cost for installation of the tower is $118,169 with $24,000 coming from a federal grant. Puyallup is contributing $55,000 for dispatch services and the remainder will come from Bonney Lake’s drug seizure fund.

There is no impact on the city’s general fund balance.

Reach Dannie Oliveaux at doliveaux@courierherald.com or 360-802-8209.