Conversations are ramping up on how to bring broadband internet access to Lyon County’s rural populations.
During the County Commission’s weekly action session representatives of Madison Telephone, S&A Telephone and WheatState Technologies conversed with commissioners on the subject of rural broadband access. This has been a major priority for the county the past several years and commissioner Scott Briggs says now is the time to move forward with implementing it countywide.
During the conversations, Rob McDonald of Madison Telephone told the commission that fiber optic installation is the “king of broadband.” However; he went on to say it is also the most expensive with costs ranging anywhere from $30,000 to $40,000 per mile.
Briggs says cost is a factor in the endeavor, however, the commission has options to address any issues. He says the county could possibly utilize a portion of the $6.4 million in federal funds that are coming to the county as part of the American Rescue Plan COVID-19 relief package which was presented to commissioners by County Controller Dan Williams Wednesday.
Conversations between consultants and the county are expected to continue in the coming months on the topic.
In other business, Lyon County Public Health Incident Commander Renee Hively delivered the monthly COVID-19 report to the commission. During that time, County Attorney Marc Goodman posed the question as to when the county’s public health order and emergency declaration documents will no longer be needed.
Hively responded that there is still no “magic number” to determine that answer.
Additionally, Hively says there is still a desire for COVID-19 vaccinations within the county as the recent decrease in vaccine demand has begun to flatten out.
The Lyon County Commission is scheduled to hold a study session next Wednesday before their regular action session next Thursday. Both meetings will take place at 9 am inside the Lyon County Courthouse.
