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Council approves 150-foot monopole at Taylor County Expo Center to boost coverage and event capacity
Summary
A conditional-use permit for a 150-foot monopole at the Taylor County Expo Center was approved; applicant and county officials said the tower will expand mobile coverage and improve capacity during large events.
The Abilene City Council granted a conditional-use permit for a 150-foot monopole to be sited at the Taylor County Expo Center (near 1602 Loop 322), a measure aimed at improving cellular coverage and capacity for large events.
Applicant presentation: Lattie Galloway, representing the Taylor County Expo Center and Titan Towers, said the monopole would extend coverage northward and increase in-building and event capacity in the expo and airport areas. Galloway said the company received an FAA determination of no hazard for the proposed height and that the pole would also allow multiple carriers to mount antennas to increase capacity.
Why it matters: residents and event organizers reported that capacity issues have hampered credit-card transactions and phone communication at large events. County and expo representatives said carriers currently see capacity drops when venues are filled.
Public support: Taylor County Commissioner (speaker identified as commissioner Williams during comments) and the expo’s leadership supported the proposal, noting benefits for public-safety communications and event coordination.
Vote: Council approved the conditional-use permit. Planning staff had recommended approval subject to FAA approval and site-plan details; the applicant indicated the FAA clearance was obtained.
Next steps: Applicant to complete final site plan, equipment fencing and carrier hookups; staff to verify FAA documentation and ensure site-plan compliance with LDC requirements.
