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Kings County contracts Tone Consulting to advise broadband expansion and grant work
Summary
The board approved a short-term agreement with Tone Consulting Group to provide technical broadband expertise for federal and state grant opportunities and project development, including BEAD and digital equity work and local earmark coordination.
The Kings County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to approve a contract with Tone Consulting Group to provide broadband consulting services through June 30, 2025. The agreement, presented by Matthew Boyette, deputy county administrative officer, is intended to give the county outside subject-matter expertise to pursue federal and state infrastructure funding and to shepherd local broadband priorities.
Boyette told the board the county faces technical and administrative complexity in competing for federal broadband programs such as BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment), digital equity grants and other federal funding opportunities. He cited a previously approved congressional earmark for a Kettleman City area project and new awards to AT&T and Comcast that leave gaps the county hopes to address or augment through cooperative efforts. "Broadband is a highly nuanced and complex and technical industry," Boyette said, arguing the county needs expert support to navigate deadlines and grant requirements.
The agreement covers consulting through June 30, 2025, and staff said the consultant will assist with engineering, grant applications, coordination with Internet service providers and other technical tasks. Board members noted the high stakes and tight deadlines for grant windows and expressed support for retaining a consultant.
Supervisor Joan Neves moved the contract approval; Supervisor Rusty Robinson seconded. The roll-call vote was five in favor, none opposed.
Ending: Tone Consulting Group representatives were present in the meeting; staff will return with any contract amendments or grant-specific tasks as needed.
