BOC signs off on regional broadband study

The Banks County Board of Commissioners agreed Monday night to fund $10,000 to participate in a regional broadband study in hopes that the effort will improve economic development efforts.

“This will be a huge step in economic development for the Martin Bridge Road area,” commissioner Sammy Reece said. “We’ve got to start somewhere.”

The One Georgia Authority will provide $160,000 of the total $200,000 cost of the project. The other participating counties in the region will fund the remainder of the project. Banks County officials plans to ask economic partners in the county to provide $1,000 each toward the county’s total $10,000.

According to economic director Brad Day, the study will provide strategic guidance in the planning of fiber optic connectivity that can be implemented to enable economic development. The study will also identify funding sources for providing fiber optic connectivity, including grant opportunities.

OTHER BUSINESS

In other business Tuesday night, the BOC:

•approved a proclamation recognizing April 10-16 as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week.

•approved the low bid of $22,583 from Gunby Communications to place a weather siren at the 911 center overlooking the recreation fields. The county has received a federal grant to fund 75 percent of this project.

•heard that the county has planted 20 trees that was funded through a grant. The trees were placed on county property, including the recreation ball fields.

•approved the annual propane gas bid to the low bidder, Amerigas.

•met in closed session for 15 minutes to discuss land acquisition. When the meeting was opened to the public, the BOC voted to spend $10,500 to purchase .278 acres on Chandler Street, near the historic jail which is planned to be used for county office space.