Regional Broadband Group discussion on Communications Union Districts 5/13/20
Lucy Rogers gave an updated report on draft legislation that will give local Selectboards that voting power to establish participation in a Communications Union District (CUD). This decision would normally be reserved for voters on Town Meeting Day, however, legislators are seeing the rapidly changing necessity for rural broadband communications to begin moving forward as soon as possible. COVID-19 has changed the digital landscape for all rural Vermonters. This event brings together representatives from around Lamoille County to discuss the steps moving forward. Each town will have to decide if they will take no action, join a Regional Communications Union District, starting your own Communications Union District, or merging with current Internet Service Providers. There are more options in the mix for people to choose but they will be clearer as time moves on. Vermont statute is clear that towns have no financial liability and no taxpayer money can fund a CUD. Facilitated by Lea Kilvádyová, Regional Planner, Lamoille County Planning Commission Contact: [email protected] Produced by GMATV #futureproof, #vtpoli, #broadband, #connectvermont
