Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Broadband topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Jefferson County endorses three ISPs for BEED broadband grant applications
Summary
The County Board voted to endorse Bertram Communications, Bridal Speed and Frontier for state-administered BEED grants; endorsements add application points but final award decisions rest with the Public Service Commission.
The Jefferson County Board of Supervisors voted to endorse applications from Bertram Communications, Bridal Speed and Frontier for federal BEED (Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment) grant funding administered through the Wisconsin Public Service Commission. The board approved three separate but nearly identical resolutions, each endorsing one provider and each passed by voice vote.
The endorsements were recommended by the county Broadband Working Group and carried no fiscal impact for the county, county and broadband members said. Amy Renard, chair of the Broadband Working Group and a citizen member, told the board the state commission awards an extra seven points to applicants that secure a county or tribal endorsement. "Each of these projects would go a long way in bringing high‑speed internet to its estimated 2,600 locations across Jefferson County that the PSC has determined are unserved or underserved," Renard said.
Renard and interim county administrator Michael Lucky said the working group reviewed responses to a request for information, interviewed provider representatives and judged the three companies capable of completing projects within the three‑year BEED funding window. Renard told supervisors none of the three providers requested matching funds from the county.
Supervisor Dan Truax introduced the first resolution endorsing Bertram Communications and asked that the three be handled in sequence. Truax moved the endorsement resolutions; the board recorded motions and seconds (Truax moved; Mr. Wimeke seconded). Each resolution was approved by voice vote with no roll‑call tally provided on the record.
The board noted that the county endorsement does not determine grant awards. "We don't really have a say in that. That's between the ISPs and the Public Service Commission," Renard said. The Public Service Commission makes final BEED funding decisions.
The endorsements are intended to improve those companies' PSC application scores; the BEED program and PSC rules determine award outcomes. The Broadband Working Group and county staff will continue to assist providers and the PSC with application materials as requested.
