MADISON, Neb. -- The question of who needs to cover the bills for an emergency antenna has been answered.

The Madison County Commissioners agreed Tuesday morning to split the $1800 annual cost over an antenna in Madison.

The antenna was placed by the Nebraska Regional Interoperability Network (NRIN) on top of a city water tower, to allow emergency responders from across Madison County to communicate with each other in the case of an emergency, if 911 went down.

However, the city of Madison then began receiving bills for the antenna's location, a payment the city felt Madison Fire and Rescue should cover the cost instead.

Both entities then explained their situation to the county.

At that time, the county said it was their understanding no one would be charged for using the antenna since it was placed on top of city property.

The county asked the fire department and city to work together to clarify the situation with NRIN.

However, as payments remained unresolved, and with NRIN still asking for payments, all three entities agreed it was time to pay. 

"We just need to get this settled once and for all on whose gonna pay it," said Fire Chief Tim Revee. 

Under an inter-local agreement, the county and city would split the costs and any outstanding payments left to be made to NRIN.

While the city will still have to vote on the proposal themselves, commissioners approved their part of the agreement in a 3-0 vote.