Barnesville signs lease with Southern Rivers Energy to replace failing Hog Mountain tower

Barnesville’s council unanimously approved a communications-tower lease with Southern Rivers Energy after staff and the utility presented technical and site-need information. Southern Rivers said the existing tower was failing and the proposed new structure would improve communications reliability for electric system operations and first responders.

City Manager Newbern and Southern Rivers representative Kevin Chambley discussed lease terms and the operational need; the council approved the lease by motion. Council members said the project will require coordination with electric crews and public-safety partners, and staff will return with a final lease document and project schedule to begin replacement work.