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Commissioners authorize Verizon equipment swap on Discovery water tower
Summary
Walkersville commissioners authorized Verizon to upgrade cellular equipment on the Discovery water tower after staff inspections found the structure sound; commissioners noted the town receives revenue from tower leases and that the upgrade could improve local coverage.
Town staff reported July 10 that Verizon requested permission to swap and upgrade cellular equipment on the Discovery water tower. Staff said the tower passed inspection, that the proposed equipment swap would increase local cellular coverage, and that past coordination with tower inspectors found no structural issues. A commissioner moved to authorize the upgrade; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
Commissioners and staff noted the town receives lease revenue from carriers and that the town took in approximately $215,000 from tower leases the prior year; staff said Verizon (and other carriers) pay revenue that flows into the water fund. Staff also said some carriers have been consolidated in recent years (Sprint bought by T-Mobile), reducing total lease revenue and contributing to shortfalls in the water fund.
The authorization at this meeting was limited to allowing Verizon to proceed with equipment changes; any future structural or revenue agreements will be handled through typical permitting and contract processes.
