Charlotte County approves UScellular ground-and-tower lease at 226 Law Lane

Chairman Walker and the Charlotte County Board of Supervisors approved a multi-part lease package with UScellular for the telecommunications tower located at 226 Law Lane in Charlotte Courthouse.

Staff told the board the tower reverted to county ownership in August 2023 after the prior 30-year lease expired. In the staff presentation, county counsel and staff described four separate agreements negotiated with UScellular: a ground lease for roughly 6,750 square feet starting at $1,600 per month with a 3% annual escalator and an initial five-year term with five five-year renewal options; a tower-space license that preserves free space for county emergency-services equipment; a generator agreement reverting generator ownership and maintenance to UScellular; and a power-sharing agreement under which the county will continue to pay the existing electric service for the facility.

Terry Ramsey, a resident of Charlotte Courthouse, urged the board to defer approval and ‘‘search for a better solution,’’ arguing the county started negotiations too late, that the rent is low relative to potential future removal costs, and that the lease gives UScellular asymmetric termination rights. Ramsey asked whether the county had sought competing proposals and questioned responsibility for tower removal at end of life.

Staff and counsel responded that the tower is ‘‘an integral part of our 9‑1‑1 communication system’’ and that the county does not intend to remove the structure if the carrier were to remove its equipment. Counsel confirmed the agreements were reviewed and judged ‘‘fair and reasonable’’ and noted the leases are retroactive to August 2023 so payments are due back to that date.

Supervisor [mover] made a motion to approve the lease and associated agreements as presented; Supervisor [seconder] seconded and the motion carried by voice vote.

What the board approved preserves county access for emergency communications while shifting generator and routine maintenance responsibilities to UScellular and establishing monthly rent and renewal terms. The recorded public hearing and staff remarks show residents remain concerned about long-term liability for tower removal and about the adequacy of the negotiated rent; staff said those issues were considered during negotiation and that the county retains first right of refusal if UScellular sells the facility.

Next steps: the executed leases will be filed in the clerk’s office, and the county will begin receiving the negotiated monthly payments retroactive to August 2023. The board did not direct further public outreach on the tower lease at the meeting.