Tryon Town Council recently approved a resolution of intent to sign a lease with WCQS public radio out of Asheville.

Council met Sept. 15 and approved a resolution of intent to sign a five-year lease for the station to place a frequency and utilize space at Tryon’s communication building located on Tryon Peak.

Tryon Town Manager Joey Davis told council the station tested its equipment as council directed them to do and found no interference with any of Tryon’s communications.

Town attorney Bailey Nager said the board has to first adopt a resolution of intent to enter into the lease. He said the resolution will get published in the newspaper. Nager said the lease is for five years with five-year renewals if neither party objects to the renewal. The lease includes WCQS paying the town $50 per month.

Council heard a presentation from Jason Reed, director of technology and broadcasting at WCQS-Western North Carolina Public Radio during its August meeting.

WCQS offers news, information and entertainment programs from National Public Radio, American Public Radio and Public Radio International as well as local news.

Reed told council in August it has always been WCQS’s goal to serve the communities of western North Carolina and the station is excited about extending this service to this community.

Residents of Tryon, Saluda and Landrum areas should be able to pick up the station at FM 88.1.

The station plans to erect a 20-ft. pole on the side of the town’s building on Tryon Peak.

Council expressed concern about the possibility of the station interfering with the town’s communication channels, particularly emergency channels. Commissioners asked Reed to perform a trial run prior to presenting a lease to ensure there would be no interference. Reed told council in August he will set up the system remotely in case there is ever any interference he can shut off the signal immediately. Reed also said he feels confident there will be no interference.

Council will review the lease at its next regular meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 20.