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Board approves Verizon license and easement for Bohannon tower; county to receive annual rent
Summary
The Board approved an irrevocable license and accepted an easement to allow Verizon to place equipment on the Bohannon fire station tower; county staff said the contract will bring roughly $28,800 in the first year with annual increases.
The Matthews County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on April 17 to approve an irrevocable license allowing Verizon Wireless to install equipment on the county tower at the Bohannon Fire Station and accepted a companion easement to give tower access.
Volunteer broadband advocate Judy Roe, who has worked on the county’s broadband effort, described the agreement as a long‑sought revenue source and a step toward improved cellular coverage. “This Bohannon Tower is going to bring you a million dollar contract basically over the 25 years,” Roe told the board, referring to the contract value over the license term and projected increases.
Board documents show the license payment will be $28,800 in year one with annual escalators (contract language allows up to 1.5% annual increases) and a term of up to 25 years. The board recorded a formal resolution accepting the easement as required for county real property transactions.
Why it matters: The county has identified cellular coverage and broadband as economic priorities. Supervisors said the lease revenue will help county finances and that improved cellular service should support residents, businesses and emergency communications in areas currently described as dead zones.
Board action: The license and the accompanying easement resolution passed by unanimous roll call vote.
