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County updates board on ReConnect broadband award; SEI sale and Midco transition delay construction
Summary
County staff requested a resolution to update user access in the RUS online system so the county can continue quarterly reporting for the ReConnect award east of Hinkley; construction remains planned for next year but has been delayed by the sale of SEI to Midco.
Pine County economic development staff asked the board to approve a resolution to update system users in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service (RUS) online portal so the county can continue required quarterly reporting for its ReConnect broadband award.
Leslie Sauter, the county economic development coordinator, told the board that staffing changes at the county required adding the new county administrator and Mary Jensen’s name in the RUS system and that the county’s next quarterly report is due Oct. 31. The resolution (listed in the packet as Resolution 2025-35) would authorize the county administrator, auditor‑treasurer and the economic development coordinator as system users so the county can submit Q3 reporting.
Sauter also provided an update on the ReConnect construction timetable: the award funds a large broadband project east of Hinkley that the county was awarded in 2021. She said construction is intended for next year but has experienced delays related to the sale of SEI to Midco. The county expects construction to proceed in the coming year but noted timing is subject to the provider’s transition and permitting.
The board approved the resolution by voice vote and directed staff to complete the system updates so the Oct. 31 report can be filed on schedule.
