Larimer County slates public meeting to discuss countywide broadband connectivity

Larimer County citizens are invited to attend a public meeting on July 19 to learn about the future of broadband connectivity in Larimer County and upcoming county staff recommendations for ballot measure to opt out of Senate Bill 152. Citizens will have the opportunity to ask questions, share concerns and learn more about what opting out of SB 05-152 would mean for broadband connectivity in Larimer County.

The meeting will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Larimer County Courthouse Office Building, 200 West Oak Street, in Fort Collins.

In August, county staff will be making a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners to refer a measure to the November 2016 ballot that would allow for Larimer County to be exempt from SB 05-152, which currently prohibits local governments from involvement in broadband efforts. This prohibition restricts governmental entities from actively partnering for grants, planning or implementation of high speed broadband connectivity. In recent years, Fort Collins, Loveland and other communities around Colorado have passed ballot measures opting out of SB 05-152 restrictions.

This potential ballot measure would also impact those municipalities that have already passed a SB 05-152 exemption, as it will enable Larimer County to support broadband efforts within these cities/towns. All Larimer County citizens are affected by limited broadband availability to areas inside and outside of cities and towns, whether they live, work, have family and friends, enjoy recreation and other amenities, or travel through under-served areas.

Questions about Larimer County broadband can be directed to Drew Davis, Broadband Program Manager at ddavis@larimer.org or 970-231-6965.