What: A possible Town-wide high-speed internet network with Westfield Gas and Electric's Whip City Fiber. The Town has approved a paid cost estimate before deciding whether to proceed.
Where it stands: Agreement for the estimate approved June 29; a revised agreement (clearer Town ownership of paid-for materials and work products) approved July 27. Town Meeting appropriated $27,879 for the estimate.
Next: If the Board proceeds, creating a municipal light department needs approval at two Town Meetings before a final service agreement.
Possibly stale: the latest information is from July 2026; no newer Select Board minutes are posted.
Town Administrator Bridges said the Town had talked with Whip City Fiber for over a year. The Town needs a detailed construction cost first, because Spencer would finance construction and repay it from subscriber revenue. Town Meeting appropriated $27,879 for the estimate.
Motion to approve the agreement for deployment cost estimates (Clerk C. Woodbury/Selectman Grigg): all five yes.