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County warns ARPA broadband funding could be lost if contractor doesn’t show proof of work
Summary
Supervisors raised concerns that ARPA funds designated for a Liberty Communications broadband project may be at risk if the company cannot demonstrate completed phases and associated obligations before the federal deadline.
Speaker 1 told fellow supervisors that $274,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds had been designated for a broadband project with Liberty Communications and warned the county could lose the allocation if the vendor fails to meet contract obligations.
"Liberty Communications...If he doesn't present it and we don't expend it, what's he not gonna get it?" Speaker 1 said, arguing the company had not provided the reports or proof that work was complete as required by the agreement. Board members noted the ARPA contract requires funds be obligated and expended by the contract deadline and urged staff to bring the company before the board this week.
County staff and supervisors reviewed the history of the award, including that the original contract holder changed hands and the project phases remain unverified. Speaker 3 and others said missing documentation — including phase-completion reports and evidence of residential service in obligated areas — creates a deadline risk: if obligations are not satisfied the county and the vendor could both forfeit the ARPA allocation.
Supervisors asked staff to contact Liberty Communications promptly and to require evidence of completed work or to document the county’s obligations and next steps. The board agreed to pursue confirmation of milestones and to confirm whether funds can be reallocated if the contractor fails to meet the ARPA schedule.
