CCRPC reports clean FY22 audit, advances broadband CUD discussions and notes JAM Golf Act 250 appeal

At the Oct. 5 meeting, CCRPC staff reported a clean FY22 audit, described a change in lease-accounting rules that affected FY22 reporting, outlined local efforts to form a Communications Union District (CUD) to pursue broadband funding, and provided an update on an Act 250 appeal involving JAM Golf, LLC.

Forest Cohen said the FY22 audit was clean with no findings. He explained a recent accounting rule change requires certain leases — including the office space lease — to be treated more like a long-term loan, adding amortized cost and interest expense; this treatment increased rent expense in FY22. Cohen said the organization’s reserve level is approximately one and a half months and that applying the FY22 surplus would move CCRPC closer to a two-month reserve target.

Charlie Baker said CCRPC is working with the towns of Shelburne, South Burlington, Williston, Essex and Essex Junction to form a Communications Union District; he said a town-level 'Yes' vote on the CUD article will be required in November and asserted, citing state statute, that membership poses no financial risk to towns or individual taxpayers if the CUD fails. Baker noted forming a CUD appears to be the primary way to access broadband funding for areas served by FairPoint or other networks.

Baker also updated the committee on JAM GOLF, LLC correspondence: South Burlington residents submitted a formal appeal and CCRPC counsel at Stitzel Page & Fletcher filed a notice of appearance. Baker said staff will continue to provide updates as the appeal progresses.

The committee discussed these items but took no executive action on them at the meeting.