During a recent government meeting, board members discussed the potential impact of endorsing local fiber providers as they prepare grant applications. One member expressed concern that the existing competition with the current cable company could hinder marketability and profitability for new providers. They emphasized the importance of issuing letters of endorsement to enhance the competitiveness of local applications, noting that multiple endorsements could provide additional points in grant evaluations.

The board also addressed the use of artificial intelligence (AI) software for economic development, specifically a program that anonymously collects data on traffic patterns and demographics. This software aims to assist in attracting new businesses by providing insights into customer flow and location viability. However, concerns were raised regarding the privacy implications of collecting data linked to ZIP codes and the potential for identifying individuals, particularly children. One board member highlighted the need for transparency and prior communication about the software's implementation, expressing discomfort at learning about it through an anonymous letter rather than from county staff.

The discussion underscored the necessity for a future work session to delve deeper into the AI program's functionalities and privacy safeguards. Board members expressed a desire for clarity on how the software operates, particularly regarding its data collection methods and the measures in place to protect citizen privacy. The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of addressing these concerns promptly to ensure public trust and understanding of the county's technological initiatives.