Boothbay will resume its broadband expansion negotiations with Spectrum this week. Spectrum account manager Steven Holmes will update selectmen about the company’s “Community WiFi” initiative during the Jan. 12 selectmen’s meeting.

Last year, Spectrum officials proposed the initiative which provides 100% town-wide broadband internet access. In June, Spectrum officials described their program as a “brand new” initiative which would provide high-speed internet at a lower cost. At the time, Spectrum officials said Boothbay was the first community the company started negotiating with. 

The program expands broadband into unserved and underserved locations. The program would be a partnership between Boothbay and Spectrum. Boothbay would be charged a flat rate based on the number of households and Spectrum would provide town-wide expansion. The town would bill customers for service. According to Town Manager Dan Bryer, negotiations inexplicably stalled last summer, and the previous proposal has changed. 

Other agenda items include Jean Hamrin discussing a new proposal from the local Clean Drinking Water Initiative which has representatives from Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor and Southport. Bryer described the local organization as working with Boothbay Region Water District and West Harbor Pond Association. Hamrin is Boothbay’s representative on the initiative.

Selectmen will also review, and possibly sign, a hazard mitigation plan agreement proposed by Lincoln County. County Commissioners approved the plan earlier this month. Selectmen will also hear a report on Boothbay Winter Festival which was held in conjunction with Gardens Aglow and Boothbay Lights from Nov. 20 to Jan. 1.

Selectmen meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the municipal conference room.