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County approves fiber connection to Ponderosa Landfill: one-time $60,000 build cost, $600 monthly service
Summary
Blue Earth County approved a contract to bring fiber to the Ponderosa Landfill. The county accepted a consolidated bid with a 36-month service term: a one-time $60,000 buildout and $600 per month, for a roughly $82,000 total contract cost over three years.
Blue Earth County commissioners approved a contract to bring fiber internet service to the Ponderosa Landfill at the May 27 meeting, citing improved bandwidth needs for cameras, printers and other equipment at the facility.
County staff member Carrie said the landfill previously relied on a single DSL line and that upgraded operations—more security cameras and additional computer equipment—have strained existing bandwidth. The county solicited bids and recommended contract award to Consolidated (contractor name used in staff presentation). The recommended contract has a one-time buildout cost of $60,000 and a 36‑month service agreement at $600 per month; staff presented a total three‑year cost of roughly $82,000.
Commissioners asked whether the new line could be extended to serve local residences; staff said the fiber run is being installed directly to county facilities but noted that Consolidated may market connections to nearby residences at customer expense. Commissioners said the upgrade would improve operations at the landfill and support the facility’s multi‑million‑dollar business.
A motion to approve the contract carried by voice vote. The contract funds were approved as presented; staff will execute the agreement and schedule the build-out work with the vendor.
