County authorizes $11,700 lease payment and up to $1,000 more to close Ken Port tower acquisition; expects to recoup rent and build maintenance reserve

County staff updated commissioners on the planned acquisition of the Ken Port tower site and asked for authority to pay the site lease requested by the Idaho Department of Lands. Staff said DayWireless had already paid the lease for the year (about $11,700), but the Department of Lands required the county to remit that amount at closing. County budgeted $9,100 for site rent; the difference will be covered this year and staff expects to recoup the larger payment from agencies that will lease space on the tower.

Staff asked the board to authorize immediate payment of the $11,700+ lease at closing and to permit up to $1,000 additional for any prorations that arise. "They want us to pay the lease for this year, which has already been paid by DayWireless, which is $11,700 and change," staff said, noting DayWireless will receive a refund from the Bureau of Land Management for its prior payment and the county will then collect rent from tenant agencies.

Commissioners discussed budgeting the difference next year, placing funds into a reserve for maintenance and for future equipment upgrades (repeaters expected to need replacement in roughly five to seven years), and reducing other agencies’ fees to the actual land-use cost plus a small maintenance percentage. The board approved the authorization by voice vote; staff said it will ratify any disbursements at next Tuesday’s meeting if necessary.