Crawford County approves amendment allowing Verizon tower upgrades

Crawford County commissioners on Sept. 29 approved a fourth amendment to the county's tower lease with Verizon that authorizes structural work and equipment upgrades, county officials said.

County officials said the amendment, drafted with help from the county attorney, allows Verizon to perform structural changes and upgrade equipment after completing a structural analysis. "They've done the structural analysis. They're willing to upgrade some equipment," Speaker 2 said during the meeting. County staff said Verizon will pay for the structural analysis and the associated work.

The amendment does not change the lease pay scale beyond the terms already in place, Speaker 2 said, and it continues the existing annual increase schedule for lease payments. County staff confirmed the change grants Verizon permission to proceed with the upgrades and any necessary structural supports, but does not otherwise alter rent terms.

The amendment was reviewed by the county's emergency management director and by the county attorney, identified in the transcript as Gordon Ingle. Speaker 1 asked for a motion to approve the amendment; the motion was moved and seconded and the commissioners voted unanimously, recorded as a 3-0 vote.

After the vote, staff discussed next steps for signatures. County counsel needs the signed county copy returned so he can forward it to Verizon; once Verizon signs and dates the agreement, the county will retain a hard copy of the fully executed amendment.

The special meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to adjourn.