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Mercer County OKs Jefferson Township lease and short‑term tower rental as radio project advances
Summary
The commissioners approved a 20‑year lease with Jefferson Township for a 450‑foot radio tower site and renewed a short‑term monthly lease on a Vernon Road tower as part of the countywide Public Safety Radio Project. Officials said some interim leases may be phased out once the new system is complete.
The Mercer County Board of Commissioners on April 30 approved a Land Lease and Easement Agreement with Jefferson Township for a 0.082‑acre site on Lamor Road where the county plans to construct a 450‑foot guyed radio tower and supporting buildings for the countywide Public Safety Radio Project. The initial lease term is 20 years with an option to renew for an additional 20 years; annual rent starts at $2,000 and increases by 3% annually.
"This is one of the multiple sites that the County will be using for its Public Safety Radio Project," Commissioner Finley said during the meeting. He added that Jefferson Township "is looking forward to the new radio system" and noted the township's law enforcement has experienced trouble with the current radio coverage. The lease authorizes access and utility easements necessary for tower construction and operations.
At the same meeting the board also approved a 12‑month renewal of a lease with Mobile Communication Service, Inc. for space on its Vernon Road tower in West Salem Township at $185.65 per month to support existing fire dispatch operations. Commissioner Finley said the short‑term rental may not be required after the county radio project is finished, signaling the county expects the new infrastructure to reduce reliance on some third‑party tower leases.
Both actions were passed unanimously. The Jefferson Township lease and the Mobilecom renewal together advance the county's plan to improve public‑safety radio coverage, while preserving interim options for dispatch until the new system is built.
