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Commissioners question costly insurance for Idle Wise tower and ask staff to explore legal options
Summary
Commissioners were presented with a $13,000-per-year insurance estimate for $5 million coverage on the Idle Wise communications tower; commissioners asked staff to invite tower owners to a future meeting and to explore legal options, including eminent domain, if costs to the county remain high.
County staff told commissioners they received an insurance estimate of about $13,000 per year to provide $5 million of coverage for the Idle Wise communications tower; staff said the town rental income tied to the tower is approximately $400 per month. Commissioners expressed concern that the county would be asked to cover both the premium and the town rental, which together could amount to roughly $18,000 annually if full coverage and rental obligations fall to the county.
Commissioner Chandler asked staff to explore legal options with county counsel, including whether eminent-domain authority might be available as a last resort to secure communications infrastructure without bearing ongoing steep insurance costs. The executive director said staff would invite the tower owners and other stakeholders to the next commissioners meeting and would seek additional information from the county’s insurer (Primex) to determine whether existing liability coverage could lower the premium.
Dominic (present at the meeting) and members of the public emphasized the tower’s role in northern-county public safety and urged a careful approach. Commissioners agreed to revisit the item at a future meeting after obtaining insurance underwriter feedback, quotes and any potential legal guidance about alternate acquisition or cost-sharing arrangements.
