Launch date for high-speed internet in Charles City pushed back to April

Ever since the awarding of a $600,000 grant to bring high-speed internet to Charles City was announced in December 2014, citizens and businesses alike have patiently waited for the day it would become a reality. Those citizens and businesses will have to wait a little bit longer.

Charles City county administrator Zach Trogdon announced a new tentative date of early April for the launch of wireless internet service for the county.

“This process is similar to being pregnant; you know it will come soon but just don’t know when,” the county administrator said during the Feb. 23 regular monthly meeting of the board of supervisors. “It’s taking longer than we had hoped for.”

Playing a factor in the delay, according to Trogdon, is inclement weather. Snow amounts along with the cold conditions have delayed the installation of conduit along the Route 106 (Roxbury Road) corridor. Another issue that has held up progress is sending items out to bid again to accommodate the project’s budget.

But the county administrator did speak about positives with the project and the accomplishments that have been completed.

“All the towers are up and they should be running soon,” Trogdon commented, mentioning electrical needs for the structures are now being worked on. “We have also been working with providers and other details to insure we have the best quality and service.

“We are shooting for a mid-March completion date with good weather and hope everything is up and running by April,” he concluded.

In another matter, two citizens commented about a lack of help for the county’s animal control officer. According to the speakers during the public comment period, they praised the efforts and job but expressed concern about one officer taking on the brunt of the work.

“I have concerns because only one person is handling it,” said Anthony Carr. “She is doing a lot of work and I believe the issue needs to be looked into.”

“I believe the animal control officer is doing a good job,” added Sharon McGeein. “But she is doing a lot of work and I am asking the board to provide her help to relieve her.”

District 3 representative and chairman Floyd Miles Sr. said during board directives that the sheriff’s office is responsible for the animal control department and all questions should be directed to the sheriff. The sheriff, Alan Jones Sr., spoke after the meeting on the issue.

“Right now we are short-staffed across the board but we are having interviews tomorrow [Feb. 24] to fill positions in our department,” Jones commented. “Among those positions will be two additional spots to help with animal control.

“I believe we will hire quality and capable people to fill those positions as well as our other positions in the department,” the sheriff concluded.