Plymouth County Secures $76,450 Settlement with Verizon in Complex Tower Deal
PLYMOUTH - September 11 - Plymouth County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a comprehensive settlement with Verizon that will net the county $76,450 immediately while securing future revenue streams and ownership of a valuable telecommunications tower.
The Full Story
After months of negotiations, County Administrator Frank Basler presented commissioners with a three-part agreement that resolves longstanding disputes with Verizon over tower operations in Plymouth and Hanson. The deal includes an immediate termination fee payment of $76,450, ongoing monthly rent payments of $7,510 until Verizon removes its equipment, and a 15-year extension of the Hanson tower lease through 2043.
"After a very long and complicated process with Verizon, we were able to secure all of what we asked for," Basler told commissioners during the September 11 meeting.
The settlement addresses complications that arose when the county leased land to Boston South Development, creating uncertainty that prompted Verizon to relocate operations. Despite moving to a new location, Verizon has been unable to remove equipment from the Plymouth tower due to delays, requiring continued rent payments at a 25% penalty rate for late departure.
Most significantly for the county's long-term interests, the agreement transfers ownership of the Plymouth tower from Verizon to Plymouth County. Administrator Basler explained that Verizon is essentially paying the county to assume the asset and any future removal liability. The tower, which professionals have assessed as having decades of useful life remaining, will continue generating revenue through an existing AT&T lease paying $7,700 quarterly.
The Hanson tower lease extension includes annual 3% increases and currently generates $4,862 monthly for the county. Should Boston South Development's plans not materialize by their June 30, 2026 deadline, the county will own a valuable telecommunications asset that can be marketed to new tenants.
In other significant business, County Treasurer Tom O'Brien reported record-breaking expansion for county programs. Deputy Treasurer Jeff Welch announced that Lowell, the county's 46th municipality, has committed to join the parking violation management program. "This vindicates the faith that you folks have had in the department over the years," Welch told commissioners, noting Lowell is much larger than most of their communities and represents a major validation of the program's success.
The parking program, which began as an unfunded state mandate, has evolved into a profitable regional service that now extends well beyond Plymouth County's borders. Communities are increasingly seeking alternatives to their current vendors, with the county program's superior service and competitive rates driving demand.
Treasurer O'Brien delivered equally positive news across multiple county-administered programs. The Mayflower Municipal Health Group, facing industry-wide cost pressures, successfully managed fiscal year 2025 by using only $1.6 million of reserves rather than the anticipated $4 million, thanks to strong financial management and investment returns. With reserves exceeding $29 million, the group is positioned to weather expected healthcare cost increases better than private sector alternatives.
The Plymouth County OPEB Trust achieved the second-best investment returns among Massachusetts' 14 largest retirement systems in 2024, posting 9.82% returns compared to the state system's 9.64%. The county's retirement association is 67.5% funded and on track for full funding by 2031, five years ahead of the state system.
County Extension Director Molly Vollmer reported successful completion of the Marshfield Fair season, with 154 youth exhibiting over 250 animals. The program continues expanding, with 4-H members participating in national programs and preparing for competitions at the Big E fair.
The meeting also addressed personnel matters, approving step increases for two employees and temporary emergency custodial hires. Administrator Basler explained the facilities department is managing significant staffing challenges, with multiple employees on FMLA, extended illness, and vacation schedules requiring additional temporary staff.
Looking ahead, commissioners received updates on the ongoing assistant county administrator hiring process, with three finalists currently undergoing final reference checks. The hiring committee expects to present a recommendation within two weeks.
Commissioners also discussed preparations for potential protests related to the Karen Read civil case motion hearing scheduled for September 22 at Plymouth Superior Court. The trial court contacted the county as a courtesy, noting protesters may spill onto county property adjacent to the courthouse. Commissioners agreed to work with law enforcement while respecting First Amendment rights, prohibiting only structures like tents or tables that could obstruct registry business.
Why It Matters
The Verizon settlement exemplifies how county government can transform challenges into opportunities for taxpayers. What began as a complication from development plans has resulted in immediate revenue, ongoing income streams, and ownership of a valuable telecommunications asset. Combined with the continued success of regional programs like parking management, healthcare purchasing, and OPEB investing, the county demonstrates how collaborative approaches can deliver superior results compared to municipalities going alone.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Approve vendor vouchers. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:59)
Motion: Approve payroll vouchers. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 2:04)
Motion: Authorize administrator to enter Verizon transfer, lease termination and bill of sale agreements. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 12:21)
Motion: Grant ARPA disbursement to Town of Plymouth for $36,216.11. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 18:27)
Motion: Approve ARPA payment to Clifton Larson LLP for $15,468.25. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 18:28)
What's Next
The assistant administrator hiring committee will present final candidate recommendations within two weeks. The county will coordinate with law enforcement regarding the September 22 Karen Read hearing. ARPA fund transfers and community project completions will continue through the program's December 31, 2026 deadline. Boston South Development must present development plans by June 30, 2026, or the county will market the telecommunications tower to new tenants.