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Council begins review of Telemedia $600,000 broadband infrastructure abatement request
Summary
County staff introduced a new SB-1 from Telemedia Solutions seeking a $600,000 infrastructure abatement; staff said the project expands broadband but does not directly create new jobs; the council asked staff to prepare a draft resolution and a rubric for term length before returning the item for formal consideration.
County staff and Growth Partnership representatives briefed the Washington County Council on a new Statement of Benefits (SB-1) from Telemedia Solutions requesting a utility/infrastructure abatement for $600,000 in broadband infrastructure costs.
Ashley Conrad (county staff) said the project "does not create new jobs" in itself but that expanded broadband connectivity supports future business growth, workforce needs and population growth. "It improves broadband across the county and then supports new business growth and workforce needs and future development," the staff member said.
Council members discussed the appropriate length of an abatement, noting some projects have previously received 10-year terms while personal-property abatements are often shorter (five years). Staff told the council they can prepare a draft resolution and a checklist/rubric — already used informally in previous cases — to help the council evaluate whether to grant a full 10-year term or a shorter period.
No vote was taken. Staff and the county attorney indicated they will provide a draft resolution and the rubric for council review at the next meeting.
