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LANETT — The primary emergency communications tower used by the Chambers County EMA and first responders throughout the county is located across the Chattahoochee River in Harris County. Lanett City leaders believe the private company that owns it charges high fees, so the city is looking at other alternatives.

On Monday, the Lanett City Council approved a memorandum of understanding between the city and the Chambers County EMA to build a new tower in the Lanett city limits near the Lanett Police Department’s pistol practice range. It will be built on a 200-foot by 200-foot site off 29th Avenue NW. The Chambers County Emergency Communications District will have the tower built and operate it. The city will rent the site for $360 a month.

Lanett Fire & EMS Chief Johnny Allen said soil testing will have to take place to see if it’s a suitable site to build a tower

“If everything checks out, we will charge them a rental fee and not have to pay to use the tower. A new tower at this location will be better for the entire county, especially the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office,” Allen said.

“I think it’s a good situation for everyone in Chambers County. The present tower we are using in Harris County is owned by a national company, and the Lanett Police and Fire Department is paying $495 a month to use it.”

The Chambers County Emergency Communications District will make a final determination on the feasibility of doing this on or before Aug, 1 of this year. The memorandum of understanding approved Monday will expire in one year.