Committee forwards free downtown Wi‑Fi license to full commission after technical concerns

Eric Hennessy, the county chief of staff, presented a proposed revocable rooftop license offered by United Communications to place wireless equipment on county buildings to provide free downtown Wi‑Fi for events at no cost to Rutherford County.

Hennessy said the term would begin Sept. 1 with an initial one‑year term (auto‑renewal unless either party opts out), and that the company carries commercial general liability insurance. "They are proposing to put a Wi‑Fi network in downtown for free," he told the committee, and described protections that prohibit roof membrane penetration and give the county the ability to require relocation during the first year.

Several commissioners pressed for guarantees about how quickly the county could suspend or remove service if the arrangement interfered with county systems, and whether insurance or contractual language would cover lightning and other perils. Commissioner Irvin asked directly: "can we tell them to turn it off? I mean, tell them to turn it off within couple hours if we need to." Commissioners asked staff to obtain technological assessments from the county IT director, maintenance input, and any necessary coordination with the City of Murfreesboro.

The committee voted to forward the rooftop access and license agreement to the full county commission with those follow‑up items requested. Roll call on the committee motion was Phillips yes; Hall yes; Davidson yes; Irvin no; Johnson no; Chairman McAdoo yes (motion passed 4–2). The committee requested Cody York or a technical representative be available at the county commission meeting to answer shutdown and interference questions before final action.