Redford Union reviews $410,000 offer to buy T‑Mobile rooftop easement; consultant recommends market check

Redford Union Schools District No. 1 board members discussed an unsolicited offer to buy the district's rooftop cell‑tower lease and easement at their Dec. 16 workshop.

Administrators said a buyer proposed $410,000 to purchase the easement and lease rights (the lease currently runs through 2035). The district currently receives about $20,000–$21,000 per year in rent on the site, administrators said, and selling the easement would convert a long‑term revenue stream into a one‑time cash payment. Maria Kissinger said she engaged an outside expert (Brian Morrill) who manages similar transactions for other school districts to review the offer and confirm whether it is market value.

Kissinger told the board the outside review found the $410,000 figure to be reasonable for the district's circumstances but noted the consultant will take a fee for his services; the board discussed consultant fees and the structure of any payout, including a potential 30% fee on negotiated incremental value. "We hired an unbiased third party to take a look at this offer... to determine is this market value or not," Kissinger said.

Board members asked managers to check prior minutes (the sale of a different tower behind Hilbert was previously discussed) and requested the item be placed on a forthcoming board agenda for formal deliberation and possible approval. No transfer or sale was approved at the workshop; administrators said they will return to the board with the consultant's full report and a recommended contract structure.