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Council approves ground lease allowing US Cellular to replace communications tower at police training center

Henderson City Council · March 1, 2026
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Summary

Council approved a ground lease with USCOC of Greater North Carolina for a 240-foot replacement communications tower at the Police Training Center, with an initial six-year concessionary lease term followed by higher rent and a ~3% escalator.

Assistant City Manager Paylor Spruill briefed the council on an offer from USCOC of Greater North Carolina (US Cellular) to remove the existing communications tower at the Police Training Center and erect a 240-foot replacement. Spruill said the lease terms include a six-year initial period at $500 per month to allow the company to recuperate removal costs, then a payment level of $1,500 per month with an approximate 3% annual escalator.

Council members asked whether the new tower would address public-safety dead spots; Spruill said the tower is primarily for US Cellular service and would not resolve all public-safety coverage issues, though it might help some. Council Member Jason A. Spriggs and others expressed concern about current public-safety communications capability and noted the county is working with E-911 to find a sponsor for a separate new tower to address dead spots.

Council approved Resolution 20-28 authorizing the ground lease with USCOC by recorded voice vote.