DESOTO COUNTY, MS (abc24.com) - What's better, more reliable cell reception or maintaining the environment?
Several DeSoto County residents are fighting a new cell phone tower near Hernando.
"It's on the corner somewhere around this property," pointed out Virginia Murdoch, a Hernando resident.
A planned 165 foot AT&T cell tower isn't getting a warm reception in Hernando. The future site is mainly acres and acres of rural farmland, and some would like it to stay that way.
People who live nearby have complained about the tower, saying it won't be much to look at. They're also worried it could be harmful to their health.
"I moved out here for the quiet and healthfulness of it," said Murdoch. "I don't really care to be around all that negative energy. I'm pretty sure it's not healthy."
Murdoch wants AT&T to find somewhere else.
The cell phone company filed the paperwork in October. This month, Desoto's Board of Supervisors listened to the complaints of Murdoch and her neighbors. They've asked AT&T to look at placing it further away from houses.
The board is waiting on two things: for the cell company to see if that's possible, and for the land owner to agree.
The Board plans to meet with the company again on December 19th for another public meeting.
For its part, AT&T said this is a normal process for the company. They've filed all the necessary paperwork, and always take public input on where to put the towers.
