Fruita council approves T‑Mobile and CDOT leases and a 2025 budget amendment

The Fruita City Council voted 3–0 to approve two lease agreements and a budget amendment during its action-item agenda.

The council approved a second-reading ordinance authorizing a lease amendment with T‑Mobile West LLC. Joe Zaire, the city finance director, said the lease dates to an original agreement that began around 2015 and that T‑Mobile chose to renew early, increasing the rent to what he described as the original "$20.30" amount and bringing the higher revenue forward. Zaire said the leased equipment is on a city water tower and that the company has five options to renew for additional five‑year terms.

The council also approved a second-reading ordinance authorizing a 10‑year lease with the Colorado Department of Transportation for a riverside boat‑launch area located on the east side of Highway 340. Zaire said the lease carries $500 in rent for the 10‑year term and places maintenance responsibilities on the city for the launch area; if the launch washes out, the city could be liable to repair or replace it. The city will place a trash receptacle and arrange weekly pickup—Zaire said that service was estimated at about $50 per week—and the lease allows the city to cancel the arrangement if a separate boat launch is constructed before the lease term ends.

The council also approved Resolution 2025‑11, a budget amendment that reappropriated and appropriated funds for several projects and purchases. Zaire summarized reappropriations including crosswalk and pedestrian safety work (listed at $44,000) at crosswalks near Monument High School and Fruita Middle School; completion and equipment for the community center (including a $600,000 line item for a current office buildout); design and construction work on South Mesa Street and the Maple Street bridge; continued funding for the 19 Road project and associated sewer work; and grant‑funded broadband and ARPA funds carried forward. New appropriations included additional funding for chip‑seal road maintenance ($100,000), overlays ($20,000), and a parks and recreation party trailer ($17,500) and associated equipment. Zaire said some numbers reflect carryover or corrections from prior‑year budgets and that staff will track expenses in the city's lease and financial software.

Votes at a glance: - Ordinance 2025‑05 (T‑Mobile West LLC lease, second reading): motion to approve and authorize the city manager to execute the lease; vote: Councilor Parrish — yes; Councilor Williams — yes; Councilor Purser — yes. Outcome: approved 3–0. - Ordinance 2025‑06 (CDOT lease, second reading): motion to approve and authorize the city manager to execute the lease; vote: Councilor Williams — yes; Councilor Purser — yes; Councilor Parrish — yes. Outcome: approved 3–0. - Resolution 2025‑11 (Amend 2025 budget; reappropriate/appropriate funds): motion to approve; vote: Councilor Purser — yes; Councilor Parrish — yes; Councilor Williams — yes. Outcome: approved 3–0.

Councilors and staff described the T‑Mobile lease as revenue‑generating with minimal city obligations, the CDOT lease as low‑rent but carrying maintenance obligations, and the budget amendment as primarily carrying forward prior‑year project funds and adding specific appropriations for road, parks and community projects.