Polk County Commissioners agreed to go into an agreement with American Internet Services to provide wireless internet across the courthouse in exchange for allowing the company to place a dish on top of the building during a meeting Thursday, August 20.
By placing the dish on top of the building, American Internet Services will be able to extend their reach and increase their customers’ internet speeds and reliability.
In exchange for the county allowing them to do that, they offered to provide the entire courthouse, inside and out, wireless service.
“We did check to see if it was legal for us to even go into do that, and from, opinion from the attorney general it is,” Commissioner Dewey Esquinance said.
“So if someone wants to stop by and sit in the parking lot and do their homework or whatever, they’ll be able to do that.”
Wireless services will cover around a block.
County Executive Robby Hatcher told that three companies intend to place bids for the ambulance contract.
There are currently 60 days left in the agreement between A.M.R. and the county.
Bids will be opened at 12:15 p.m. September 8.
Issues arising at boat ramps were discussed.
Chairwoman Debi Davis, Hatcher and Commissioner Greg Brooks all commented on the issue noting violent stories that have been brought to their attention.
“It’s dangerous. It’s getting to the danger point,” Davis said.
Brooks said that the commission has authority to regulate the ramps at their discretion.
CARES Act money coming to the county is being considered to be used toward laying fiber optics around the county, Commissioner John Hoyt Pippenger said.
Property Assessor Randy Yates thanked the commission for their efforts.
“I am retiring,” he said. “Next week’s my last week, and I want y’all know you can still reach out to me if you have any questions. I can help with anything. I still wanna be active... I am a concerned tax payer...”
Yates has held the position for 24 years.
The Department of Education requested a budget amendment to transfer funds from the General Fund to the Food Service Fund, which passed unanimously. Sharon Luke with the Library Board gave an update, explaining that 19 computers, thousands of electronic content and physical materials are available.
Mower bids requested by Sheriff Steve Ross were tabled due to bids not being given to Hatcher in time.
Reports of Offices and the notary were all approved unanimously.