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Seymour board approves up to $3,000 for consultant to study town-owned cell tower
Summary
The board authorized expenditure of up to $3,000 to hire a telecommunications consultant to assess sites and costs for a potential town-owned cell tower; staff estimated potential annual available cash flow of $200,000–$250,000 and a 3–4 year payback, with construction costs estimated at $300,000–$500,000.
The board authorized hiring a telecommunications consultant at a cost not to exceed $3,000 to evaluate potential town-owned cell-tower sites and construction costs. Staff said the consultant has worked with Verizon and will review technical requirements, potential locations (including town-owned park land), and cost estimates ahead of a possible bid process.
During the presentation staff estimated that a town-owned tower could generate between $200,000 and $250,000 in annual available cash flow and could pay for itself in three to four years once carriers and neighboring towns are on board. Staff also said estimated construction costs range from roughly $300,000 to $500,000 and that the town would front construction costs and seek carrier rents to recover the investment.
After questions from selectpersons about siting and visual impacts, the board moved to authorize spending of up to $3,000 for the consultant; the motion passed unanimously. The consultant study is expected to return more precise site options and cost estimates at the board's August meeting, after which the board could vote on going out to bid for construction.
