City council agrees to buy communications tower

By Sonny Turner
sonny@athensnews-courier.com

July 22, 2008 10:54 pm

— The Athens City Council has agreed to buy a communications tower that now provides radio services for the police, fire and utilities departments.
Mayor Dan Williams said Tuesday that Hemphill Corp. built the tower several years ago on city property. It was agreed upon then that the city would have free use of the tower.
“It wasn’t costing us anything for utilities being on it, but when the police and fire departments starting using it, we learned the wording in the contract did not cover them,” the mayor said. “So, it was either start paying or move all that stuff.”
The city can now lease space on the tower to other companies, such as cellular telephone companies, that will install antennas in order to improve or expand service.
“It’s like money in the bank, a good investment,” said Councilman Ronnie Marks. “We can lease out space on that tower. It’s a valuable commodity.”
Athens takes over ownership of the tower just off East Elm Street for $75,000.
“Actually, the company that owns it owes the city $20,000,” the mayor said. “As the result of that, we will just be paying $55,000 for it.”