Bushnell, IL – The Bushnell City Council is trying to craft a new tower contract with Prestige Communications of Macomb.
The tower carrying one of the group's radio stations was built on city property. Bushnell and the radio group's former owner agreed to a revolving one year contract that has continued since the tower went up. The city is currently charging Prestige about $1,000 a month in "rent."
But now, Mayor Steve Russell says the city wants a change; the council is looking to enter into a three year contract. Russell says there would probably be cost savings to the company under that scenario, but could not quantify an exact amount.
Russell says one thing is for sure, however. There will be consequences should Bushnell and Prestige not come to terms.
"For a little bit we'll try to continue under the same old contract," says Russell. "But eventually they'd have to take the tower down."
Russell says he hopes to have contract negotiations completed by the end of the year. But he says there's no specific deadline the city is following.
Prestige shares the tower with AT&T, which pays the radio company a monthly fee for its usage.
Prestige Communications co-owner Bruce Foster says Bushnell wants a portion of what AT&T pays the radio group. It gives Prestige about $1,000 to rent the space. Foster says his company and the city are still negotiating that idea.
Prestige owns six commercial radio stations in Western Illinois.