Nelson County approves $200,000 APC Towers lease buyout to fund courthouse change orders

Nelson County Fiscal Court on Dec. 2 approved a $200,000 lease buyout from APC Towers for a tower used by Verizon and authorized the judge to sign change orders for ongoing work at the old courthouse, with proceeds from the buyout to help cover a renovation shortfall.

Court discussion clarified that APC Towers would prepay the lease (one-time upfront payment of $200,000) but would not purchase county land; the county will retain ownership and an agreement to keep county emergency-service antennas available. A court speaker said the county began negotiations at a lower amount and raised the offer to $200,000. After a motion to approve the buyout, the court voted in favor.

The judge asked authority to sign change orders on the courthouse project as needed; the court approved that authorization and accepted use of lease proceeds for a roughly $97,000 difference the judge cited in the courthouse renovation budget. The court noted two insurance claims (about $18,700 and $32,000) that will also contribute to the project.

Quote from the meeting: "They'll pay us $200,000 upfront," an official said about APC Towers' offer.

Next steps: county staff and legal counsel (Kenny Turner mentioned) will finalize lease buyout documents and the judge will execute change orders as authorized; specific contract terms and timing will be finalized off the record.