The Lee County Commission convened for its regular meeting on Monday, Sept. 9. During the meeting the commission voted to move forward with Phase II of its fiberoptic broadband expansion across Lee County. The commission approved a new reduced plan that will drop the total cost of the fiberoptics project from $2,975,702.73 to a total of $2,195,532.24. The project will be paid for with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. Under the new plan, internet provider BEAM will provide 70 miles of high-speed internet line across Lee County. The commission originally entered into an agreement with BEAM in June 2024 to provide high-speed internet access in the county.
Separately, ARPA funds were also approved to be used to cover administrative costs for audits from the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts. The commission will allocate up to $50,000.00 in ARPA funds to cover the costs. Lee County Administrator, Holly Leverett said the county had originally allocated $100,000.00 in ARPA funds but chose to reduce the amount.
In other news:
The commission approved a special events retail license for Ocie and Belles to provide bartending services at 21 Acres on Wire Road on Sept 20, 2024. Ocie and Belles will replace Premium Pours, another vendor who chose to pull out of the event.
The commission also approved tuition reimbursement requests for two Lee County Sheriff’s Deputies.
The commission gave approval for a parcel of land along Lee Road 278 to be subdivided into three smaller lots. All three lots will have frontage along Lee Road 278.
The commission chose to table a vote until next week that would consent to recognize a name change for PFM Asset Management, which is the county’s registered investment advisor. PFM Asset Management was bought out by US Bank Asset Management. PFM now wants the Lee County government to recognize them under the US Bank name.
Additionally, the county commission heard presentations for Integrea (formerly East Alabama Mental Health); Valley Haven School; and the National Information Officer’s Association Annual Conference.