Trustees told Verizon tower lease talks continue; community balloon test and public hearing will wait on contract terms

Amherst County School Board members received an update that negotiations with Verizon over a proposed cell tower at a school site are ongoing. Superintendent Doctor Wells said district negotiators returned recommendations to Verizon and were waiting for the company’s legal team to respond.

Wells told trustees the district increased its compensation request during negotiations to ensure appropriate community value and that staff will not schedule community outreach events, including the standard balloon test that demonstrates tower height, until contract terms are firm. The district noted that a formal public hearing required by local process would occur as part of permitting, and staff will coordinate the balloon test and public meeting after contractual issues are resolved.

Trustees discussed timing and community interest; some members said they had received constituent inquiries and suggested public notice once Verizon provides a firm proposal. Others preferred to avoid public notice until there is a concrete contract offer to avoid raising community expectations prematurely.

Ending: Negotiations remain active; staff will advise trustees and schedule the required public hearing and any balloon test after contractual and financial terms are finalized.