Broadband moving forward

DAYTON-The Columbia County Commissioners (BOCC) accepted a contractor for construction of the Broadband project here; reviewed and approved several policies approved the Capital Facilities Plan, elected new officers; and heard a local economic update from Port of Columbia Executive Director Jennie Dickinson during the meeting on January 11.

ZerodB Communications presented the lowest bid within budget of just over $2 million including taxes which was approved by the Commission for the Dayton Broadband Project. A public meeting was set for January 26 at 6 p.m. with the contractor to provide more information and to answer questions. Executive Director Jennie Dickinson said the meeting would also provide an opportunity to provide clarification about the separate franchise agreements being presented to the City and County by Charter Communications for broadband construction. Charter plans to offer broadband and cable television. Dickinson also told the Commissioners that the Port was awarded $700k in federal funds to cover the increase in project costs due to inflation. In addition, she said the State Broadband Office is offering free studies to work towards expanding broadband into rural areas for every county. This coincides with the Port plan to extend broadband outside of Dayton into the county.

Several policies were reviewed and approved including raising the salary range for personnel by 10%. The original proposal was for 20% as to offer a competitive salary particularly if Port positions need to be filled. Commissioners Seth Bryan and Johnny Watts thought a more conservative 10% increase was adequate. Commissioner Genie Crowe offered the reminder of the many additional jobs the executive director has including that of an economic development director and suggested at least a 15% increase. It was clarified that the increase in the salary range does not equal a raise for any of the employees. The Commissioners voted to approve a 10% increase, as wells as an increase in insurance benefits. Other updates were approved for the policy on small and attractive assets which is the record of what the Port owns and to the credit card use policy to better align with the personnel policy.

The policy regarding the sale of Port property was reviewed and updated to state that any sale should be equal to or greater than fair market value with a minimum acceptable price and go to the best bidder. Also added was to keep a record of all Port property values. Policy for rules for use of the commercial kitchen was revised including raising the use fee. The Commission approved all revisions.

Lastly, the Capital Facilities Plan was adopted following discussion about whether to add an event stage back into the plan after learning that Blue Mountain Station tenants and owners of Cedar Rain Spirits plan to hold live music events on site. Bryan thought they could review it at budget time later in the year, and Watts added he would like to see how the events do in the meantime.

In her report, Dickinson said that Columbia Pulp is still in the process of selling the facility and has a few potential buyers. Dayton businesses are impacted by lack of staff with Subway in the Mercantile having to close and Chiefs Springs reducing their hours of operation. She received confirmation from the Chamber of Commerce that there was a contingent offer made by the Dollar General on property where Ray's Drive-In is located.

She reported on the results of a survey given to attendees of the CEDS (Community Economic Development Strategy) luncheon for highest community priorities with a pool at the top, affordable and mixed-use housing being next highest and a tie for third between childcare and broadband. Dickinson suggested they take the results into consideration when making plans.

Commissioner Bryan was present at the luncheon and questioned whether the votes of 36 people are a fair representation of the community's interests. He suggested they expand participation in the survey by offering it in a different format such as a town hall.

Dickinson answered those who participate in the CEDS group are representative stakeholders in the community who have been invested and active in doing the work writing grants and making improvements.

Bryan countered that the public is a being left out when determining the priorities for the community and that they should be involved at least part of the time. She responded that they would discuss this when reviewing the comprehensive plan with consultants from Maul, Foster and Alongi. The first review workshop was scheduled to begin following the meeting.