Boothbay selectmen decided to join Boothbay Harbor in a joint project surveying the region’s needs for broadband internet. Both select boards approved a proposal to hire Casco Bay Advisors to develop options for expanding high-speed broadband for residents and businesses. On Sept. 25, Boothbay selectmen voted unanimously to accept the firm’s proposal. On Sept. 23, Boothbay Harbor selectmen voted 4-0 to hire the firm.

The towns will pay the firm $18,000. The proposal calls for a comprehensive plan informing select boards and their constituents about gaps in local high-speed broadband capabilities. The towns will use $7,500 from a Maine Community Foundation grant and $5,250 each from their respective Joint Economic Development Committee accounts. Boothbay is anxious to begin negotiating its lapsed cable agreement with Spectrum. Town officials hope to link broadband expansion to a future deal, but have delayed initiating a renegotiation until a better understanding of current broadband services is available.

“To make an intelligent business decision, we need to know what we have and I feel strongly we need to go with Casco Bay,” Selectman Mike Tomacelli said. Boothbay considered hiring OmniHelios, LLC of Southport. In March, Boothbay hired the firm to study the region’s internet capability and make recommendations for short and long term needs. Tom Myette spent 40 hours interviewing local businesses and researching how well the region was served. In his report delivered in May, Myette concluded the region overall wasn’t underserved, but there were some problems, including residential customers paying high rates for poor service. 

Boothbay selectmen consulted with their Boothbay Harbor counterparts and decided Casco Bay Advisors’ proposal better fit their immediate needs. 

In other action, Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor are also in joint consultation about the JEDC’s future. The boards created the JEDC in 2015. The 10-person board initiated the creation of a master plan for peninsula economic growth. It also has created Boothbay Lights and Holiday Lights to spur winter commerce. In March, JEDC board members questioned their relevance and requested less money. JEDC members also wondered if it should morph into a non-profit group serving as a conduit for community projects between both towns. 

On Sept. 26, both select boards met to discuss a new Economic Development Agreement. The proposed amendment would clarify roles and responsibilities for enhancing economic growth and prosperity. The new EDA is intended to establish a mechanism and process for expanding the towns’ long history of cooperation. 

Selectmen also unanimously approved a $1,000 Ulmer Fund request for Haley Wilson, for a German American Partnership Program (GAPP) visit to Germany in 2020.

Selectmen meet next at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9 in the municipal building’s conference room.