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Committee backs permanent easement to keep cell tower operating on county land
Summary
The operations committee voted to forward a recommendation that the county authorize a permanent easement and one-time payment to preserve an existing cell tower's operations; the tower company will maintain the site and the easement preserves space for potential sheriff antennas.
The Kent County Operations Policy Committee on Nov. 18 recommended that the full board authorize a permanent easement for an existing cell tower and related utility and landscaping easements on county-owned property.
Staff told the committee the county purchased the land out of foreclosure and the prior agreement with the tower company ended when the county assumed ownership; the proposed easement restores the company’s right to operate on the site. "When you look at the time value of money, we thought it was better to get the money upfront and have it available," said Al from the administrator’s office, describing a one-time payment that staff recommended placing in strategic capital. Commissioner Faber noted the county bought the parcel out of foreclosure for about $17,000 and described the easement as a sizable one-time return on that acquisition.
County staff said the tower company will be responsible for routine maintenance, including mowing and plowing, and that the easement preserves potential antenna space for the sheriff’s department. The committee voted in favor of forwarding the easement authorization to the full board for action Thursday.
