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County considers eminent domain after Village District of Eidelweiss seeks insurance, rent for Oak Hill radio-tower site
Summary
Sheriff Domenic Richardi told commissioners the county—s radio equipment sits on Village District of Eidelweiss land and the VDOE is now charging $400 per month —rent— and requiring $5 million insurance (quoted at $11,595 per year); commissioners asked the executive director to arrange talks and discussed eminent domain as an option.
Sheriff Domenic Richardi told the Carroll County Board of Commissioners that the county—s communications tower on Oak Hill sits on land owned by the Village District of Eidelweiss (VDOE) and that the VDOE also provides the building used for radio equipment and generators. The tower hosts repeaters used by county and mutual-aid partners, including Conway Police Department, Richardi said.
Richardi said the previous agreement with VDOE has expired; the VDOE is seeking $400 per month —rent— and requires $5 million in insurance coverage. The county received a quote of $11,595 per year to secure that level of coverage. Commissioners discussed the importance of the site to emergency communications and explored the option of taking the property by eminent domain, directing Executive Director Mellisa Seamans to set up a meeting with VDOE to resolve the matter.
Public commenters responded to the discussion: Fred Cain thanked the board for considering eminent domain; Wharton Sinkler urged exploring alternatives such as Starlink. No formal motion to pursue eminent domain was recorded; commissioners asked staff to pursue negotiations with VDOE.
