Melrose Accepts Verizon Tower Lease at $35,000 Annually, Avoids Vacancy Risk

MELROSE — November 20, 2025 — Melrose City Council accepts Verizon's reduced cell tower lease of $35,000 a year, averting a potential vacancy. The council voted unanimously Thursday to accept Verizon's best and final counter-offer — $35,000 annually starting January 2030, with a 3 percent annual escalator and up to six additional five-year renewal terms — after the company rejected the city's ask of $41,250. City Administrator Winter said Verizon, which is laying off roughly 15,000 employees company-wide, had signaled through a senior sales contact that it was prepared to vacate the tower rather than accept higher rates. The council also unanimously approved a $220,000 snowblower purchase through state contract pricing, noting the same equipment cost $155,500 in 2020, and reappointed Fire Chief Tom Buddy for 2026 and 2027 after no other candidates applied. A proclamation was issued honoring 1999 Melrose High School graduate Blake Elliott, who will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame on December 9 holding the NCAA record across all divisions for consecutive games with a reception at 47.