John Dougherty of Mission Broadband was on-hand at the Town Council meeting on December 6 to give an update on Block Island’s broadband project. Verizon is still holding up the permitting and licensing process, with only 50 percent of the pole.
Akin to almost every other island organization, island growth is presenting significant challenges.
The commissioners noted a need to develop long term infrastructure planning that will include upgrades and develop a road map and timeline for future capital expenses. They also noted worrisome capacity issues that are lurking on the immediate horizon that need to be analyzed.
After hearing from each commissioner, and some residents, Chairman Brad Marthens asked for a final vote on a proposed budget. Commissioners settled on an increase of seven percent on user fees, as well as a $50 increase for septic system pump-out rates for disposal of ISDS waste. They arrived at the seven percent increase after tapping the reserve fund for $10,000 to lower a higher proposed rate increase.