Commissioners authorize short-term transfers for tower leases, approve two tower-lease amendments

At the Feb. 25 Sagadahoc County Commissioners meeting, the board authorized short-term fund transfers to cover a budget shortfall on tower leases and approved amendments to two existing tower leases to accommodate site changes.

County staff explained the transfers are intended to cover lease costs through the fiscal year — roughly until July 1 — while the county completes construction of its own tower sites in Phippsburg (referred to in discussion as Pittsburgh) and West Bath. Staff said two of the existing leases will end once the county’s towers go live; West Bath is already online, according to staff remarks.

Commissioners discussed which internal vehicle and capital funds to use to cover the shortfall. Staff identified four accounts to draw from, including an EMA vehicle fund, facilities capital, communications vehicle and an occupancy fund; staff noted some of those funds are targeted for specific purposes and that the transfers leave a commissioner contingency buffer in the general fund.

Separately, commissioners approved two lease amendments with Perfect Tower Company for sites in Woolwich and “Bodenham” (as discussed at the meeting). Staff said the Woolwich amendment reflected the county’s use of an existing building on the site rather than provision of a shelter, and the Bodenham amendment added fencing to accommodate a generator and protect equipment from falling ice. One commissioner moved to sign the two lease amendments; the motion passed.

The board also discussed using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds earlier to build coverage and said those investments helped expand communications coverage in towns that previously lacked reliable service.

The meeting record shows the board approved the fund transfers and the two lease amendments; the transfers were described as covering the immediate shortfall until the county’s own tower sites come online.