County amends broadband task force charge, reappoints two members and names two commissioners to panel

The Orange County Board of Commissioners voted Oct. 7 to amend the charge of its Broadband Task Force to add two duties: (1) update and track broadband coverage needs as state and federal program awards are made, and (2) advise on how the county should communicate broadband coverage information to residents.

At the meeting the board reappointed Patricia Hall and Terry Buckner for terms through Sept. 30, 2028, and appointed Commissioner McKee and Commissioner Shelley Green as the two commissioner seats on the task force. The board also authorized the clerk to advertise three remaining at‑large seats with an application deadline of Oct. 26 and anticipated appointments on Nov. 6.

County staff said the charge change is intended to align the task force’s work with grant programs under active consideration at the state and federal levels and to ensure the county’s outreach keeps pace with dynamic award decisions. The manager recommended updating the task force charge and reappointing members; the board approved the recommendation by voice vote.

What’s next: staff will accept applications for the three at‑large seats and return to the board with nominations on Nov. 6. The expanded charge directs the task force to monitor program awards and to advise county staff on timely public communication of broadband coverage and eligibility information.