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SMITHVILLE — What appeared to be a done deal in December flipped last month when Smithv il le leaders voted against installing a communications tower at Keilberg Park. The potential long-term evolution tower for the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) and its emergency communications system offered no immediate benefit for the city’s own network systems, officials said. Instead, a one-time $75,000 payment would have covered a 50-year lease for 100 square feet in a corner of the park.
“The $75,000 for a 50year lease is insulting,” Smithville resident Derek Baranowski said, adding he might be in favor of the tower if LCRA provided more benefits or money in the deal.
While LCRA representative Elizabeth Ehlers said the sum was a fair going rate, price was ultimately not the issue.
