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HomeMy WebLinkAbout051021_cabs03 JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST TO: Board of County Commissioners Mark McCauley, Interim County Administrator FROM: Greg Brotherton, Commissioner DATE: May 10,2021 SUBJECT: DISCUSSION: Jefferson Broadband Action Team (JBAT) recommendation regarding two Broadband positions STATEMENT OF ISSUE: To increase economic vitality and digital equity, the Jefferson Broadband Action Team (JBAT) recommends creating and funding two distinct positions; one to help our county accelerate broadband infrastructure development and the second to better serve our residents as they seek to utilize the internet for e-commerce, education and tele-medicine. ANALYSIS: Discuss the proposal with Ben Bauermeister, Tamara Meredith, Brian Kuh, and Cliff Moore. FISCAL IMPACT: None RECOMMENDATION: Discuss the proposal. REVIEWED BY: Mark McCaule nterim County Ad ini rator Date Jefferson County Broadband ,11Iri. : ACTION TEAM Improving Broadband Infrastructure and Access in Jefferson County Summary As the need for high-speed internet access continues to grow, counties across the country, especially rural counties, are realizing a need to offer more concrete support to the planning, implementation, access, and development of these vital resources for our citizens. As such, to increase economic vitality and digital equity, the Jefferson Broadband Action Team (JBAT)recommends creating and funding two distinct positions; one to help our county accelerate broadband infrastructure development and the second to better serve our residents as they seek to utilize the internet for e-commerce, education and tele-medicine. This document proposes the initial framework of these two positions. Further work will be required to development of job descriptions, recruitment plans, and funding agreements. The initial request is for two years of funding. JBAT is seeking support for the positions outlined below from the State Broadband Office and, with this proposal, is recommending that Jefferson County, and perhaps the Intergovernmental Coordinating Committee, consider funding this work from the American Rescue Plan dollars that are projected to come to the County. Position 1: Jefferson County Broadband Strategy Advocate Description This primary responsibilities for this position will be to work with local agencies on developing, promoting, seeking funding and implementing an agreed upon strategy to extend broadband infrastructure across the county. This includes tracking local, state, and federal funding programs, submitting for funding when applicable, and communicating progress to partner organizations on a regular basis. Reporting This position reports to the Executive Director of EDC Team Jefferson Partnership Associations Member of JBAT Executive Team EDC Team Jefferson Board Strong partnership with the Jefferson County PUD Association with the Washington State Broadband Office Association with local ISPs Association with communication providers Office Location EDC Team Jefferson Offices Salary Expectations Full time position, 40 hours per week Annual salary: $70,000 base+additional $21,000 for benefits, $91,000 total Skill Requirements (preliminary) 5+years of working in public agencies 5+years of technical telecom/ISP/network engineering experience Grant writing experience desired Public policy creation experience desired Funding Agreed funding for a 2 year position minimum. America Rescue Plan funding State Department of Commerce Funding (possibly) Future grant funding Launch Team ('This group is responsible for hiring, onboarding, and ombudsman support) Led by EDC Team Jefferson Jefferson Broadband Action Team Support from Jefferson County BoCC Support from PUD Position 2: Digital Equity Navigator Description This position is responsible for working directly with local residents across the county to help individuals access broadband internet services. This includes the customer service attributes of assisting with education, application, and in some cases implementation of broadband connectivity. This position would work closely with local school districts and would prioritize low income and unserved segments of our community. Reporting This position would report to the Executive Director of the Jefferson County Library. Partnership Associations The Port Townsend Library All Jefferson County School Districts JBAT member WSU Extension North Olympic YMCA OlyCap Jefferson Community Foundation/United Good Neighbors Office Location Shared office space at Jefferson County Library Significant time 'in county' Ability to work from remote locations Access to the WSU Extension classroom Salary Expectations Full time, 40 hours per week 25 hours/week dedicated to library, 10 to schools, 5 to special projects Annual salary: $45k+ additional $15k benefits, $60k total Skill Requirements 5+years of customer facing experience Strong technical aptitude Presentation and teaching abilities Funding Agreed funding for a 2 year position minimum. America Rescue Plan funding Potential for some library system funding State Department of Commerce Funding (possibly) Future grant funding Launch Team: (This group is responsible for hiring, onboarding, and ombudsman support) Led by Jefferson County Library Support from WSU Extension Support from local schools Initial Task Brainstorm Helping residents access broadband Connecting to funding programs and services/EBB/Lifeline Performing digital literacy training/Northstar digital literacy Maintain a community digital resource list/websi to County-wide/help with hotspots/in-schools for training Production of written instructions for access This position would require no contact with Patron Database