Town Councilmembers were like surprised cats suddenly learning of 100,000 available canaries at their Feb. 26 meeting. The agenda item: “presentation Crown Castle, cell tower lease and tower point” was completely different from September, when Councilmembers admonished company representatives for being in arrears on an existing lease.

Mayor Ramon Hayes made the introduction, saying the company had paid its bill. He later stated the new terms: “Crown Castle will write a check to the Town of La Conner for $100,000 to the general fund.” There is a monthly rental fee and a 50-50 split o...