Commission approves RN-student placement and a three-year communications tower lease

Carroll County commissioners on Jan. 5 approved two operational agreements: a training placement with White Mountain Community College for an RN student and a three-year lease for a county communications tower.

Staff presented an agreement to accept a White Mountain Community College nursing student for clinical preceptorship at the county nursing facility. Staff said the student already works for the county as a nursing assistant and that there are no financial obligations under the agreement; commissioners approved the placement unanimously.

The commission also discussed a proposed lease for tower space in the Idlewise/Madison area used for county communications. Negotiators reported the county owns tower equipment but not the land; the town asked for rent and parties agreed on a $400-per-month lease for three years with a 2.5% annual increase. Staff said the arrangement was already included in the 2026 budget and that a 30-day termination notice is part of the terms. Commissioners moved, seconded and approved the lease.

Commissioners asked about alternatives, including possibly accessing a new Conway tower, and noted the countyaahas options if requirements change in future months. The lease was characterized as a budgeted operational expense (approximately $4,800 per year).

Next steps: county staff will finalize lease paperwork and the RN placement agreement and proceed with implementation.