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Board approves $1.68 million change order for county broadband towers after farmers urge speed
Summary
After extensive public comment from agricultural stakeholders and economic‑development leaders, the board approved a $1,684,849.07 contract change order to add towers and meet revised engineering specifications for Yuma County’s broadband mesh network.
County administration presented a proposed change order (24‑156‑COR002) to the contract with EX2 Technology LLC for $1,684,849.07 to reflect specification revisions, additional engineering and materials, and design changes related to the county’s broadband mesh/tower project. The change order was on the agenda as an addendum to item 17 and neighbors, growers, and economic‑development representatives asked to speak before action.
Mark Smith of Smith Farms (S6), who has been involved with the broadband project since inception, summarized the funding and timeline history: the board previously allocated $21 million, state and private matching funds followed, and total public/private investment reached an estimated $160–180 million including private capital. Smith urged quick implementation, noting the project’s importance to agriculture and water‑efficiency technology: “We need to move forward with this project… This tower system is like an opportunity magnet,” he said.
Tanya Hodges, executive director of the Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture (YCIDA) (S16), and other business leaders echoed the economic arguments, saying the towers would attract companies, research partnerships and jobs. Several supervisors underscored the project’s priority and the need to remove administrative delays after multiple years of planning.
Supervisor (S2) moved to approve a modified motion to authorize the county administrator to sign change order 24‑156‑COR002 in the amount of $1,684,849.07; Supervisor (S9) seconded. The board approved the modification and the motion by voice vote. After the vote, supervisors expressed urgency to complete remaining permitting and connections so towers can be placed and connected to the network as soon as possible.
The board’s action authorized the contract amendment and directed the county administrator to execute the change order, subject to final administrative review.
