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Council approves AT&T lease amendment and Verizon tower license to expand coverage
Summary
Los Alamos County approved two communications‑site ordinances: an amendment to the AT&T lease on the North Mesa water tower (annual rent starting at $21,000, $15,000 administrative fee) and a site license for an 80‑ft Verizon/SunState macro tower at Overlook Sports Complex (monthly rent $2,000). Council approved both unanimously.
Los Alamos County Council on Nov. 18 approved two ordinances to authorize cellular infrastructure on county property.
The first, Ordinance No. 739, authorizes a first amendment to an existing lease with AT&T Mobility LLC at the North Mesa water tower adjacent to the middle school. Staff said AT&T seeks to modernize equipment, undergo a structural evaluation, and increase the lease to market rates. The amendment includes a one‑time administrative fee of $15,000 and annual rent beginning at $21,000 in June 2026 with 3% annual escalators. Council approved the amendment by unanimous roll call.
The second approval, Ordinance No. 744, authorizes a communications site license with SunState Towers IV LLC, subcontracting with Verizon Wireless, for a macro communications tower and equipment building at Overlook Sports Complex. Staff described the pole (80 feet) and a 20x30 equipment building sited between the softball fields; the agreement proposes $2,000 monthly rent and a 3% annual escalation with options for up to 30 years in successive five‑year terms and a 25% revenue share for additional tenants. A consultant for SunState said the site will use fiber backhaul into an Albuquerque switching center. Council approved the ordinance unanimously.
Both approvals were framed by staff as revenue opportunities that improve local communications coverage while requiring structural review and utility easements. Councilors asked clarifying questions about backhaul (fiber vs. microwave), rent comparables, escalation and lease length.
