The Buhler City Council approved an agreement allowing T-Mobile to erect a cell phone tower on city-owned land next to Wheatland Park in exchange for a $175,000 lump sum payment. The tower will be located on the gravel lot north of the ball fields.
T-Mobile offered the city a choice between a one-time $175,000 payment for a 50-year lease or monthly payments of $1,000 for 10 years, with options to renew every five years at a 2.5% annual increase. The latter could yield up to $657,280 over 50 years.
Councilmember Candace Davidson moved to accept the lump sum option, seconded by Councilmember Chuck Taylor. Councilmember Ryan Brady noted he preferred the monthly plan for its long-term value but supported using the upfront payment to reduce city debt.
Davidson’s motion was amended to designate the funds for debt reduction on recent water projects. The council approved it unanimously.