The Butler County commissioners Wednesday awarded an $829,630 contract to JG Contracting Co. of Carnegie to do tower site work necessary for the installation of a new 911 radio system.

Steve Bicehouse, director of county emergency services, said the Allegheny County company will do preparation work including electrical, generator and shelter construction, at 13 communications towers.

The county uses 10 towers for the current 911 system, but will lose one and add four others for the new system.

Bicehouse said during the meeting the North Washington tower, which is owned by the county, will be taken down.

He said in an interview space would be leased from towers in Forestville, Swain Hill in Jackson Township, Eau Claire and West Sunbury.

However, the tower changes are not certain, so the total cost may change.

“Those are still subject to adjustment,” Bicehouse said.

If the cost changes, the county would need to approve a change order.

Bicehouse said work would begin as soon as possible.

The county in December awarded a nearly $10 million contract to Motorola to install the radio system.

The county is borrowing up to $15 million to pay for the system installation, tower site work, other related costs and to finish the interior of the government center annex building.

Courthouse repairs

The commissioners awarded a $237,500 contract to Uhl Construction of Allison Park for a county courthouse project.

Work includes fixing water damage to the basement floor and walls.

The county decided to not accept any alternate bids for making sidewalks across the street from three sides of the courthouse handicap-accessible.

John Campbell, director of county facilities and operations, said the sidewalks are owned by other entities, so the county won’t spend any money for it to be done.

Park project

The commissioners awarded a $331,550 contract to John R. Nicely Excavating of Darlington in Beaver County to spruce up Harcrest Community Park.

Work includes adding pavilions and a playground.

Board of Elections

The commissioners, serving as the county board of elections, approved adding the referendum question asking voters in Allegheny Township and West Liberty to legalize small games of chance through licensing.

Shari Brewer, county elections bureau director, said in an interview these two municipalities are the only ones left where the licensing is not authorized.