The Bourbon County Commission convened on November 14, 2024, to discuss several key agenda items, including a significant broadband initiative and plans for a holiday dinner for county employees.

The meeting began with a presentation regarding the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. A representative from IdeaTek Broadband outlined a proposal for a $10.4 million grant aimed at improving internet connectivity for approximately 1,400 homes in Bourbon County. The initiative seeks to address the lack of adequate broadband access, specifically targeting homes that do not meet the Federal Communications Commission's minimum speed requirements of 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload. The representative noted that 1,161 homes in the county are eligible for BEAD funding, with an additional 247 homes potentially included through private funding.

The commission was asked to provide a letter of support for the grant application, which would facilitate the installation of fiber internet connections capable of delivering symmetrical speeds of 2,500 Mbps. The representative emphasized the importance of reliable internet access for remote work and streaming services, particularly in rural areas. The commission unanimously approved the motion to support the grant application, recognizing the potential benefits of increased competition in the broadband market.

Following the broadband discussion, the agenda shifted to a proposal for a holiday dinner for county employees. Jennifer Hawkins, a county official, raised the question of whether to hold the event again this year, noting that last year's dinner cost approximately $1,800. The commissioners expressed their support for the initiative, agreeing that it is important to recognize the hard work of county employees. A motion was made and seconded to host the holiday dinner, with a budget of up to $2,000, and the date to be determined.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjust the agenda to allow for updates from the Public Works department, ensuring that all relevant topics were addressed efficiently.

Overall, the Bourbon County Commission meeting highlighted significant efforts to enhance broadband access in the region and foster community spirit through employee recognition initiatives. The commission plans to continue monitoring the progress of the broadband grant application and finalize details for the upcoming holiday dinner.