Irate landowners couldn’t stop the Lyon County Commission from approving a special use permit for a 100-foot monopole telecommunications facility in Smith Valley, Nevada. The facility, on a 4.15 acres parcel, will also include an auxiliary generator and accessory equipment.
The request, by Verizon Wireless and the Smith Valley Fire Protection District, was approved 3-2. According to the Reno Gazette-Journal, Michael Boudreau, the president of the fire district’s board of directors, claimed the tower will enhance communication resources, and as a result, improve overall safety. He said it would also provide $1,500 per month in lease income to the fire district.
Representing Verizon Wireless, Andrew Lesa voiced his eagerness to get the project underway. Currently, there is little, to no coverage in Smith Valley. AT&T, T-Mobile and the fire district will be allowed to place equipment on the towers.
Two of the commissioners, Don Alt and Ray Fierro, were vehemently opposed to the motion, citing locals’ concerns. Resident Greg Garmong suggested the county did not have authority to enter into an agreement. He presented a written objection to the proposal, arguing that legally, the fire district has no authority to collect revenue other than ad valorem, or property tax.
Not all residents were opposed. Donald Feyma, another Smith Valley inhabitant, said Smith Valley is at a disadvantage due to their limited access to high-speed data.
Reno Gazette-Journal reported that district attorney Steve Rye reviewed the complaints and disagreed with Garmong, but did not prepare a written opinion. “Our office has reviewed the issues raised, and I don’t agree it’s an impediment to move forward.”
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