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Board backs Premier Communications broadband build with $300,000 TIF contribution
Summary
After a CARES‑funded broadband proposal, Premier Communications agreed to a lower county match; Lyon County supervisors approved a $300,000 TIF‑backed contribution to help bring fiber to under‑served parts of the county on an accelerated schedule.
Premier Communications proposed a CARES grant–enabled fiber build to bring high‑speed broadband to parts of eastern Lyon County. The company sought local matching funds to qualify and accelerate construction. After presentations and public discussion, supervisors negotiated and approved a county contribution of $300,000 drawn from the Economic Development Urban Renewal area (TIF) to support the project.
Premier said the project will serve approximately 300 premises in the funded phase; the company secured $2.25 million in CARES broadband funding and proposed a total project cost of roughly $4.5 million. The grant requires the recipient to complete a substantial portion of the build within the calendar year; Premier sought local support to meet those deadlines and to provide a local match to leverage the state support.
Board members debated the appropriateness of using TIF to support a private provider. Proponents said the build is a public infrastructure need that could expand broadband access, support home businesses and remote learning and better position the county for future economic development. Opponents urged caution about committing county tax‑increment financing to a private operator. Premier agreed to reduce its requested match to $300,000 and the Board approved support, with the funds subject to TIF timing and availability.
Next steps: Premier will proceed with the grant timetable and county staff will document the TIF commitment; the broadband build is scheduled to begin as soon as administrative preconditions are met.
