Regular Session (Commissioner A. Campbell – Special Report, 3/18/2025)

**Executive Summary**

**Meeting Overview**
On March 17, 2025, the Northern Michigan Counties Association convened at the Roscommon County Board Room, gathering commissioners from 16 counties along with virtual participation from one additional county. The primary topic of discussion centered on the significant advancements and opportunities presented by fiber broadband, especially with insights from Marilyn Passmore, the director of government affairs at Charter Communications. Her presentation highlighted the ongoing competition among various Internet Service Providers (ISPs) vying for Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) grant funding, which remains robust despite potential federal budget constraints.

**Funding and Progress**
Passmore reported that several counties, including Leelanau, have committed substantial funds to improve internet service infrastructure, such as Leelanau County’s allocation of approximately $5.4 million. She emphasized that the fiber lines being installed by Spectrum are “open” to other companies, fostering competitive pricing. However, numerous counties have not allocated public funds directly to broadband projects. It was also noted that BEAD funding mandates low-rate service options for low-income households, with Spectrum Internet Assist providing a qualifying $15 monthly service.

**Materials Management Concerns**
State Representative Tom Kunse from Clare brought attention to the state’s prioritization of local road funding in the 2026 budget, contrasting it with concerns about the Materials Management program regulated through EGLE. Commissioners expressed frustrations regarding the bureaucratic complexities and delayed increases in garbage “tipping fees” which are designed to fund the program. Furthermore, the original plan to provide upfront reimbursements to jurisdictions has shifted to a pay-after-you-go approach, leading to additional questions about overall program effectiveness.

**Future Outlook**
As commissioners prepare for the upcoming state convention in April, the continued dialogue on broadband accessibility remains pivotal. Insights shared by Campbell suggest that while Michigan struggles with fiber availability relative to other states, the allocation of $1.6 billion in BEAD funding signifies a critical step towards enhancing internet coverage across both rural and urban areas in Michigan.