Washington County Commissioners adopted a broadband ordinance at their Thursday, March 11 meeting.
As previously reported by WACO 100, County Commissioners discussed the ordinance at last month’s meeting.
“We received no questions about it over the past month,” said County Administrator Dustin Peebles.
County Administrator Peebles explained during the meeting that the ordinance streamlines the process for companies to request permits regarding broadband service.
County Administrator Peebles also reported that this ordinance is part of the Broadband Ready Community certification through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.
“This will help us in our application through DCA,” said Peebles, adding, “You have to have the ordinance in place before you can apply for the certification.”
Peebles stated that the ordinance must be part of the County’s Comprehensive Plan, as well.
According to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Oglethorpe County was the first in the state to earn the Broadband Ready Community Certification from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs in July 2019. The purpose of the Broadband Ready Community Designation is for a community to demonstrate that a local unit of government has taken steps to reduce obstacles to broadband infrastructure investment. The designation also encourages economic development and attracts technology.
A local government that has amended their comprehensive plan to include the promotion of the deployment broadband services and has adopted a model ordinance is eligible to apply for a Broadband Ready Community Designation
Commissioner Frank Simmons moved to adopt the ordinance; Commissioner James Hitchcock seconded, and the vote carried unanimously by those present at the March 11 meeting.