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Board explores moving transmitter off leased tower, discusses backup power options
Summary
The Ocean Shores Radio Board discussed possible relocation from the American Tower lease to a nearby CenturyLink/Vertical Bridge tower, aiming to reduce rent and restore stronger city coverage. The board also reviewed backup-power options and a recently repaired backup transmitter.
The Ocean Shores Radio Board on April 22 discussed options to reduce tower rent and improve station coverage by investigating a nearby CenturyLink/Quest tower marketed by Vertical Bridge.
Board members said the station currently pays substantial rent to the American Tower site and is exploring whether leasing space at the CenturyLink tower near the IGA could lower operating costs. "We're investigating across the board opportunities to reduce operating cost," City Council liaison Richard said, and board members asked staff to request rate and lease information from Vertical Bridge and CenturyLink representatives.
Marty, who leads the board’s technology discussion, outlined technical and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) considerations for any transmitter move and noted that relocating the transmitter back inside Ocean Shores city limits could strengthen the signal in town while potentially changing fringe-area coverage. The board discussed that the station currently operates at roughly 1,200 watts from its present site and recalled earlier low-power operation near 89 watts; Marty said relocation could allow the station to maintain a strong in-town signal.
Board members also revisited the station’s need for reliable backup power at the transmitter site. Estimates discussed in the meeting put a four-hour battery backup system in the $6,000–$8,000 range, while an automatic-start generator solution could cost more but provide more reliable multi-hour coverage; one board member advised budgeting at least $5,000–$6,000 for an automatic unit to ensure unattended automatic switchover.
The meeting included an operational update: a higher-power backup transmitter returned from repair and would be installed and tested; board members noted a 90-day warranty window.
The board did not approve any lease or purchase at the meeting. Members directed staff to request cost proposals and lease terms from Vertical Bridge and CenturyLink and to report back with technical requirements and budget estimates at a future meeting.
