Madison County officials are still fine-tuning proposed new rules regarding cell phone towers. The new policy aims to improve wireless communication in the county while protecting its “natural beauty,” according to drafts of the possible wireless communications ordinance.

Although a proposed program aimed at preserving Madison County’s farm and forest land appeals to many – it will likely raise local taxes, according to a county official. “I’m all for this program, I think it’s a great program, except for the fact of how you’re going to get the money,” Madison County Planning Commission Vice Chairman Pete Elliott said of a possible county “purchase of development rights” program.

While many Madison County residents have cell phones, most say reception in the county is limited. Earlier this year the three-person committee – including commissioners Jacki Eisenberg, Ray Gooddall and David Jones – met and discussed what types of guidelines should be included in a possible ordinance regarding towers to provide both cell phone and wireless broadband Internet services.

Those curious to see if the board of supervisors will approve the construction of a third new 199-foot tall cell tower this year will have to wait. The application to build the tower in Brightwood – which was first postponed in June following the board’s approval of two other cell towers in Shelby and Radiant – has been put off by the applicant once again.