Commissioners approve library broadband expansion application seeking $169,300 more to extend fiber to branches

Hutchinson County commissioners on a unanimous vote approved submitting an expansion application that would add $169,300 to an earlier broadband grant for the county library system. The funding request, presented by Nancy, a library staff member, would increase a previously awarded $283,000 grant to a total award of $381,182 and is intended to bring fiber service to all three county library branches. Nancy said the per-branch cost estimate rose from an initial $75,000 to about $127,060, and the expansion application covers the difference. The application process will be completed with Region 16 as project manager. Nancy said Region 16 will review installation plans, help with a statement of work and assist with the request for proposals process. She told the court the award is a reimbursement grant: the county must pay contractors up front and submit invoices to the state for reimbursement. County staff and commissioners discussed how the project will be recorded in county accounting. Nancy said she will ask for a budget amendment to record the award under capital improvements for the Borger library and then move line items as necessary to reflect each branch’s share. Facilities staff and the auditor will sign off on equipment and installation plans, she said. The court moved and seconded the application approval after commissioners asked about bidding and whether the county must cover costs before reimbursement. The motion passed with no further discussion. If the expansion is not awarded, Nancy said the original grant will still allow fiber to be brought to two branches (Borger and Fridge). The library staff plans to return to commissioners with a recommended scope of work and a procurement advertisement for formal approval before bidding.