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Commissioners approve Verizon lease for antenna on county tower; staff says it will offset law‑enforcement center costs
Summary
Pender County approved a draft lease allowing Verizon Wireless to place cellular antennas on a county-owned communications tower in Burgaw. County staff said the arrangement will generate lease revenue and could save over $100,000 in construction costs for the new law‑enforcement center.
The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a draft lease to allow Verizon Wireless to install an antenna on a county‑owned communications tower in Burgaw, a move county staff said will improve cell coverage for residents and first responders and generate lease revenue for the county.
Devon (staff presenter) told the board the arrangement will reduce construction costs for the county's new law‑enforcement center by more than $100,000 because Verizon would cover part of infrastructure work that otherwise would fall to the county. "This opportunity is not only about improving coverage, it also presents a strong financial opportunity for the county," the presenter said.
Commissioners asked whether the county-owned tower would remain county property (staff confirmed it is) and whether other carriers might use the site or whether Verizon would pursue additional tower projects in other parts of the county that have poorer coverage. Staff said Verizon is conducting due diligence and engineering; any material changes to the lease would return to the board for approval. The board approved the draft lease and directed staff to continue discussions with Verizon and other carriers about additional coverage options.
Action: Motion to approve the tower lease agreement with Verizon Wireless carried by unanimous vote. Staff said Verizon will proceed with engineering, and any material lease changes will come back to the commission for approval.
