Title and Board Action Requested
title
Presentation on the issuing of a Letter of Interest to Milestone Towers to allow further exploration of a potential Cell Tower Partnership Program that would allow the District to leverage select district-owned properties to generate recurring, non-tax revenue through telecommunications infrastructure agreements.
body
Executive Summary
The Director of Technology and Information Services, on behalf of the Superintendent of Schools, hereby requests the Board approve the issuing of a Letter of Interest to Milestone Towers to allow further exploration of a potential Cell Tower Partnership Program that would allow the District to leverage select district-owned properties to generate recurring, non-tax revenue through telecommunications infrastructure agreements. The purpose of this workshop is to provide the School Board with an overview of the partnership model, discuss potential financial opportunities, review legal and operational safeguards, and evaluate whether further exploration of district-owned sites is in the best interest of the District. Under the proposed partnership model, a qualified telecommunications provider would be responsible for identifying viable sites, conducting engineering and feasibility studies, securing permits, constructing infrastructure, and managing carrier relationships. The District would retain ownership of its property while receiving lease revenues from the use of approved sites. This opportunity is designed to provide a new revenue stream with no upfront capital investment by the District, as all development, construction, maintenance, and operational costs would be borne by the telecommunications partner and wireless carriers. The District would not assume responsibility for operating, maintaining, or repairing any telecommunications equipment.
My Contact
Joseph Amato
Director of Technology and Information Services
(352) 797-7006 ext. 70102
2023-28 Strategic Focus Area
Priority 5: Fiscal Transparency and Capital Planning
Financial Impact
See attached budget sheet.
If expenditure is not currently budgeted, this will serve as the budget amendment when Board approved. If the agenda item includes the purchase of goods or services, the funds requested are an anticipated amount and may fluctuate depending on such factors as current market conditions, product availability, additional funding sources, and the needs of the District. Should the actual cost exceed the anticipated amount, the Board approves the additional cost, after review by the superintendent, but not in excess of the funds available in the site’s approved annual budget.