County approves Wildstar contract amendment after split vote amid contract‑completion concerns

Greg Waller, vice president of Wildstar Networks, told the Board of County Commissioners the company has connected about 2,000 homes in Walton County and requested a small modification to move remaining contract funds from a denser southern area to unfinished northern rural sections to increase overall service coverage. "What we're asking for is a small modification to the contract to move funding from the more dense area down here in the south to upper three sections of the community," Waller said during his presentation.

Commissioners debated whether the change was a reasonable change order or risked paying for phases that had not been completed as specified. Several commissioners said the county had already paid for phases listed as complete even though staff and the company said on‑site build density remains a limiting factor. Commissioner Anderson said he supported the amendment while urging clearer verification before future payments; Commissioner Curry stressed that "words matter in contracts" and urged future contracts to specify testing at physical addresses rather than relying on latitude/longitude markers.

After discussion and a public admonishment against outbursts from the audience, the board voted to approve the amendment in a divided vote, recorded as 3–2. Commissioners who voted against the amendment said they were not opposed to the goal of improved connectivity but wanted stronger contract language to protect taxpayers and ensure phased build completion was verified before disbursement. Supporters argued the amendment would maximize coverage to underserved rural areas. Staff recorded the motion, second and the final tally as accepted by the chair.

The county will proceed with the amended contract; staff agreed to follow up on clarified testing and payment verification procedures and to document how remaining build phases will be certified as complete.