Funds for EORN back improved cell service

Council is being asked decide how to put money on its motion to back improved cellular service for the Eastern Ontario Regional Network’s (EORN) Cell Gap and Capacity Expansion Project.

In May 2018, council backed the EORN’s project. Today, the financial impact is council is being asked to pre-commit $59,055 for the next three years to fund the County’s portion of EORN’s project.

In 2018, council provided $40,000 to fund its portion of the technical and financial analysis study. In addition, it committed to funding the Cell Gap and Expansion project with a budget range of $232,716 to $328,996 and subsequent budgets.

An amount of $82,249 was approved for disbursement to EORN as part of the 2019 operating budget. Moving forward with the first year payment, $23,194 would be placed into the reserve to offset the next contribution.

Council could also choose to pay the full funds not yet due ($236,219 less $59,055) and it would be treated as an investment earning five per cent per annum, but that, though appealing, may place undue hardship taking $153,970 from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve, notes Amanda Carter, Director of Finance, in her report.

Council is to meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday night at Shire Hall.