After voters in Holland last year approved a new millage that will fund the construction of a city-wide high-speed-internet-network, council members have now authorized an additional $23 million in bonds to pay for its installation.
Back in 2022, residents narrowly approved a new millage that would provide fast and affordable internet across the city and would be paid for and maintained through taxpayer dollars.
Officials at the time said the overall goal was to make the internet more accessible and affordable in Holland – a need that became apparent during the coronavirus pandemic, when most people were working from home and having virtual meetings on chat software programs like Zoom that require a strong Wi-Fi-connection.
City officials say the millage passed had been believed to be enough to cover the construction and operations of the network for the next 25-years, however, at the last city council meeting, Holland officials say the bonds are needed to ensure the project goes according to plan.
City Finance Director Lynn McCammon.
“We may have a smaller issuance come up when we get the final cost, so we’ve planned for that, too, in the event we need a little extra money to negotiate with a local bank and get a much better rate and have flexibility,” McCammon said. “We’re trying to work hard with citizens’ money to get the best deal that we can.”
Holland officials say the new network will begin to be available in some neighborhoods starting in December of this year.
