HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2004 (06) RESOLUTION OPPOSING RESTRICTIONS ON LOCAL UNIT OF GOVERNMENT
CHARGING RENT FOR USE OF COMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES
Resolution No. Lo [ate()
St. Croix County, Wisconsin
WHEREAS, for its government purposes St. Croix County has already built, has under
construction or has under consideration, certain facilities which are appropriate for telecommunications,
internet and broadband uses; and
WHEREAS, renting such facilities could generate revenue to offset County expenses; and
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WHEREAS, Senate Bill 272, Assembly Bill 588 and various amendments woukl limit the ability
of local units of government to engage in telecommunications, internet and broadband activities; and
WHEREAS, St. Croix County is experiencing a period of rapid growth and a corresponding
increase in demand for services and increase in taxes;
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved that the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors opposes
legislation limiting its ability to generate rental income from telecommunications, internet and broadband
facilities; and
FURTHER, be it resolved that copies of this resolution be furnished to the members of the
Wisconsin Legislature representing St. Croix County and to the Governor.
Offered by the Finance Committee and Emergency Management and Communications
Committee on January 20, 2004.
Finance Committee
Neg 've Affirmat' e
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Emergency Management and Communications Committee
Negative Affirmative
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a t Reviewed by Corporation Counsel: Thnery Date: January pi, 2004.
This resolution was duly adopted by the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors on January 20, 2004.
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Cindy CamXell, County Clerk
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MEMORANDUM
TO: County Board Chairs and County Clerks
FROM: Matthew Stohr, Legislative Associate
DATE: December 9, 2003
SUBJECT: Senate Bill 272 /Assembly Bill 588
Please find enclosed a model resolution opposing Senate Bill 272 (SB 272) and
Assembly Bill 588 (AB 588). SB 272 and AB 588 prohibit local units of government
from enacting an ordinance or adopting a resolution authorizing the local unit of
government to construct, own, or operate any facility for providing cable television
service, telecommunications service, or internet access service, directly or indirectly to
the public, unless certain requirements are satisfied.
The model resolution was drafted by the Municipal Electric Utilities of Wisconsin
(MEUW). The Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA) is working with MEUW, the
League of Wisconsin Municipalities, the Wisconsin Alliance of Cities, the Wisconsin
Towns Association and other groups to inform Wisconsin citizens about the negative
implications of this bill. For example, WCA is concerned that this bill is an attack on
local control. In addition, WCA is concerned that SB 272 could further limit broadband
and internet access in rural areas of Wisconsin, thus hampering economic development
initiatives in Wisconsin.
Please consider placing this resolution on your upcoming county board agenda.
Unfortunately, the Legislature is working at a fast pace to pass this bill. Therefore, if this
issue is important to your county, please place this resolution on your January agenda.
Thank you in advance for your assistance with this matter. Please do not hesitate to
contact me at the WCA office if you have any questions or concerns. I can be reached at
stohr@wicounties.org or toll free at 866.404.2700.
RESOLUTION OPPOSING SENATE BILL 272 /ASSEMBLY BILL 588
WHEREAS, under current Wisconsin law (1993 Act 496) and federal law (1996 Federal
Telecommunications Act 1996) local units of government are allowed to supply
competitive telecommunications services to their communities; and
WHEREAS, to date 24 Wisconsin communities have applied for and have been granted
Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) status from the Public Service Commission
of Wisconsin; and
WHEREAS, most major telecommunications companies are investing their resources
primarily in urban markets while rural, non - urban, smaller communities are not receiving
the advanced telecom services needed to sustain economic viability; and
WHEREAS, local governmental leaders are primarily responsible for the economic
development well -being of their respective communities; and
WHEREAS, Senate Bill 272 and Assembly Bill 588 place unnecessary restrictions and
barriers to local governments that desire to offer advanced telecom services to their
businesses and residents, thus hinder the deployment of broadband services in Wisconsin.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that [insert organization here] strongly
opposes SB 272 /AB 588 and urges the State Legislature to defeat these efforts by
incumbent cable television and telecommunications companies to limit the deployment of
competitive advanced telecom services including cable television, broadband and local
telephone services by local units of government; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that [insert organization here] joins the Wisconsin
Counties Association, the League of Wisconsin Municipalities, the Wisconsin Alliance of
Cities, the Municipal Electric Utilities of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Towns Association,
the Citizens Utility Board, the Wisconsin Association of School Boards, the Regional
Telecommunications Commission and the North Shore Cable Commission in opposition
to any efforts to limit, inhibit, or prohibit local governments from providing competitive
advanced telecommunications services.