Spring Valley negotiates with Verizon on tower

Talk about it

SPRING VALLEY--The Spring Valley Village Board discussed the latest negotiations between Verizon and Village Attorney Rory O'Sullivan Wednesday.

Verizon is requesting an amendment to their tower lease, which is up for renewal. Access to the telecommunications company's 4G network hangs in the balance.

The board is asking for three things: Verizon pay the $6,500 fee from Cedar Corporation’s (village engineering firm from Menomonie) review of the proposed changes, for all changes to be approved by Cedar and an increase in rental fees.

Although Verizon isn't requesting any major physical upgrades to the tower (which houses four antennas), surrounding municipalities with 12 antennas are receiving $18,000 a year. The village is offering to lift any restrictions on the number of antennas for the remainder of the contract (which ends August 2018) for the same amount.

Verizon currently pays $750 a month ($9,000 a year) and suggested they are willing to pay approximately $850 ($10,200 a year).

Verizon is agreeable to the first two requests, but the third has been the subject of dispute. The board noted the immediate changes to the structure are within the terms of their current agreement, but further improvements are not.

The board approved authorizing O'Sullivan to present their offer.

For more please read the Jan. 9 print version of the Herald.

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