Monica Beechall, representing County Assessor Laura Marshall, presented a memorandum of understanding that will let the Sierra County Office of Education deliver four free digital-literacy classes under a California Emergency Technology Fund (CETF) award not to exceed $5,850.

Bechall said the county has submitted a separate grant application for a larger CASAP adoption grant requesting $55,939; if that application is awarded, the county could offer roughly 15 additional classes. "This grant was what I requested approval for in the board meeting on May 15," Beechall said. "Right now, we have funding to offer 4 classes for free through the adult education school that's based in Loyalton." She also noted the county had installed a STARLINK terminal at Alleghany’s firehouse to provide connectivity for one class site and published a county web page listing public Wi-Fi resources and hotspots.

Supervisor comment praised the program’s leverage. A supervisor said the initiative was “a lot of bang for the buck” and moved to approve the MOU; another supervisor seconded. The Board voted to approve the memorandum of understanding and the $5,850 allocation for the four free classes. The county will offer classes in Loyalton, Alleghany, Sierra City and Downieville, with the first class targeted for Aug. 18 if schedules permit.

Bechall said staff will post and maintain an Internet-access resource page on the county library website and share hotspot locations. She thanked the county’s CRC and the business council for assistance in site connectivity and logistics.

The Board did not take separate action on the larger CASAP grant application at the meeting; staff said they will return with updated budgets and schedules if the $55,939 award is received.