Commissioners approve Verizon tower height amendment while investigating unpaid $5,000 signing bonus
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Summary
The board approved a lease amendment to change a tower satellite dish height but questioned Verizon's failure to pay a $5,000 signing bonus; County Attorney said Verizon is in violation and county staff are pursuing remedy while the company’s equipment remains non-operational.
Lincoln County commissioners approved a lease amendment requested by Verizon Wireless on Nov. 13 to change the satellite-dish placement on a county tower (a reduction in height from roughly 197 feet to 95 feet). Director Brennan said the amendment does not alter financial terms but is a site-plan/height revision the company asked for as they build out equipment.
During the discussion Commissioner Tankersley and others asked whether Verizon has paid a $5,000 signing bonus the contract required. Director Brennan said the company had not provided the $5,000 and that county staff and the management company that negotiated the deal have pursued the payment. County Attorney advised the board that Verizon "is in violation," and said the matter is being looked into and will hopefully be addressed soon. The attorney's assessment was cited by members as the county considers civil options if the payment is not received.
Director Brennan also noted Verizon has constructed some equipment on the tower but the system is not operational yet. Commissioners weighed whether to halt the contract given the missed payment and the prospective long-term (roughly $1 million over 25 years) nature of the arrangement, but the board ultimately approved the requested site amendment while staff pursue the outstanding signing-bonus payment.
What happens next: Staff and the county attorney will continue to pursue the $5,000 signing bonus and evaluate contractual remedies; the lease amendment for the tower was approved and staff will monitor Verizon’s performance under the agreement.
