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Waupaca County authorizes $860,065 budget amendment to close broadband funding gap
Summary
The County Board approved a 2021 budget amendment of $860,065 for a fixed-wireless broadband project that received a $460,065 CDBG award; the board authorized a $400,000 transfer from the General Fund to cover an anticipated shortfall.
The Waupaca County Board of Supervisors on June 15 authorized a 2021 budget amendment of $860,065 to advance a fixed-wireless broadband tower project designed to serve underserved unincorporated areas and local school districts.
The project previously received a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) award of $460,065 from the Wisconsin Department of Administration. The resolution notes increased project costs from material price changes and scope expansion have produced an anticipated shortfall of $400,000. To cover that gap the board authorized a transfer of $400,000 from the General Fund Unassigned Balance (which the resolution cites at $10,402,895) to the Capital Improvement Fund and approved the total budget amendment of $860,065.
The resolution frames fixed wireless technology as the quickest means to deliver broadband where wireline providers do not offer service, with a stated emphasis on targeting low- and moderate-income households and school districts. The board approved the action by voice vote; the motion carried without a negative vote.
What the resolution requires next The board's action funds the project but does not itself specify implementation timelines or vendor contracts in the meeting record. County staff and the Capital Projects/IT department will apply the CDBG funds and effect the county transfer; any contract awards, construction schedules and service-area maps were not specified in the meeting transcript and remain to be published by county staff.
Clarifying financial details - CDBG award: $460,065 (Wisconsin Department of Administration). - Anticipated county funding shortfall: $400,000 (authorized transfer from General Fund Unassigned Balance). - Authorized 2021 budget amendment total: $860,065.
Context The board discussed broadband as a county priority for unincorporated areas where wireline providers do not meet federal benchmarks. The resolution indicates fixed wireless will be used to reach those areas and provide service to school districts. The transcript does not include vendor names, contractor bids, a detailed service-area map or a schedule for when residents can expect service.
Next steps County staff to apply grant funds and complete the transfer into the Capital Improvement Fund; further procurement or project updates will be forthcoming from county departments as implementation proceeds.
