Bourbon Pledges $40K For Fiber Optic Cable
August 10, 2016 at 6:59 p.m.
By Carol Anders-
During the regular monthly meeting of the council Tuesday, the three council members voted unanimously to pledge $40,000 toward the project.
Donna Burroughs, superintendent of Triton School Corporation, explained that the school corporation has been approved for a federal grant between $280,000 to $300,000. Burroughs said the grant was automatically approved by submitting the application. Burroughs said the federal contribution would have to be to the school corporation.
Burroughs said a first quote from Medtronic for the project was approximately $1.3 million, however, a second quote from Rochester-based RTC Fiber for $403,000 seemed to be within reach. Burroughs said RTC already supplies services to several sites, including Tippecanoe Valley Schools.
According to Burroughs, at least five businesses in the Bourbon area have indicated that they would donate to the project.
Burroughs said, “REMC has already pledged $10,000-$12,000. We will be given their final donations amount within a week.”
She indicated that REMC would like to use services for such things as meter reading. Those businesses donating would receive a tax break, according to Burroughs.
The monthly cost for Internet services for Triton Schools would be lowered from of $7,200 to $2,200 if the new services are completed.
Speaking in favor of pursuing options for funding was Jerry Chavez, president/CEO Marshall County Economic Development. Chavez said, “This could actually be a model for smaller towns.”
The next step outlined by those speaking at the council meeting is to approach the Marshall County Council for some funding. Chavez said before seeking county funds they need to have a solid plan, have the budget nailed down and donation pledges from both the town and businesses.
“You are not asking for a blank check.” Said Chavez.
The town’s pledge would come from the Community Development Fund. The fund is tax generated and has an existing balance of $125,000, according to Town Clerk Kim Berger.
Burroughs said the fiber optic lines would run up US 31 and cross over to Bourbon on 12B Road. Burroughs said it would make a redundant loop .
Businesses have until Aug. 17 to pledge dollars toward the project. Burroughs said they have a meeting with the county scheduled for Sept. 12.
It was noted that private households would be able to access the services as well.
In other matters, the council voted unanimously to settle pending litigation. Town attorney Mark Wagner said the lawsuit between the town and Mr. and Mrs. Ray Plummer concerned how lots were platted and whether the town was obligated to provide roads to their property. Wagner said they could end the lawsuit by “mutual release.”
Fire Chief Brandon Chapman told the council that he currently has 22 to 23 volunteers for the department, but there is a need for more volunteers that could respond during the daytime hours. Burroughs indicated that the Triton Schools would continue to provide vocational training to students who could volunteer in the future.
Kim Berger informed the council members that a public hearing on a proposed budget is set for Sept. 27 at 7 p.m.
During the regular monthly meeting of the council Tuesday, the three council members voted unanimously to pledge $40,000 toward the project.
Donna Burroughs, superintendent of Triton School Corporation, explained that the school corporation has been approved for a federal grant between $280,000 to $300,000. Burroughs said the grant was automatically approved by submitting the application. Burroughs said the federal contribution would have to be to the school corporation.
Burroughs said a first quote from Medtronic for the project was approximately $1.3 million, however, a second quote from Rochester-based RTC Fiber for $403,000 seemed to be within reach. Burroughs said RTC already supplies services to several sites, including Tippecanoe Valley Schools.
According to Burroughs, at least five businesses in the Bourbon area have indicated that they would donate to the project.
Burroughs said, “REMC has already pledged $10,000-$12,000. We will be given their final donations amount within a week.”
She indicated that REMC would like to use services for such things as meter reading. Those businesses donating would receive a tax break, according to Burroughs.
The monthly cost for Internet services for Triton Schools would be lowered from of $7,200 to $2,200 if the new services are completed.
Speaking in favor of pursuing options for funding was Jerry Chavez, president/CEO Marshall County Economic Development. Chavez said, “This could actually be a model for smaller towns.”
The next step outlined by those speaking at the council meeting is to approach the Marshall County Council for some funding. Chavez said before seeking county funds they need to have a solid plan, have the budget nailed down and donation pledges from both the town and businesses.
“You are not asking for a blank check.” Said Chavez.
The town’s pledge would come from the Community Development Fund. The fund is tax generated and has an existing balance of $125,000, according to Town Clerk Kim Berger.
Burroughs said the fiber optic lines would run up US 31 and cross over to Bourbon on 12B Road. Burroughs said it would make a redundant loop .
Businesses have until Aug. 17 to pledge dollars toward the project. Burroughs said they have a meeting with the county scheduled for Sept. 12.
It was noted that private households would be able to access the services as well.
In other matters, the council voted unanimously to settle pending litigation. Town attorney Mark Wagner said the lawsuit between the town and Mr. and Mrs. Ray Plummer concerned how lots were platted and whether the town was obligated to provide roads to their property. Wagner said they could end the lawsuit by “mutual release.”
Fire Chief Brandon Chapman told the council that he currently has 22 to 23 volunteers for the department, but there is a need for more volunteers that could respond during the daytime hours. Burroughs indicated that the Triton Schools would continue to provide vocational training to students who could volunteer in the future.
Kim Berger informed the council members that a public hearing on a proposed budget is set for Sept. 27 at 7 p.m.
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