Strong opposition has erupted as the Willmar City Council prepares to vote on a controversial $25 million broadband initiative on January 5, 2024. Critics, led by resident Bob Enos, have publicly condemned the plan, questioning the council’s transparency and due diligence regarding the project’s financial implications.
During a heated December 15 meeting, Enos, joined by a group of around ten protestors, brandished signs reading, “Shame on you! Willmar City Council — $25 million for internet and you don’t ask?” The backlash centers on the city’s proposal to construct a city-owned, open-access broadband network, known as the Willmar Connect initiative.
Critics argue that the council has failed to adequately assess potential risks, especially after previous municipal networks experienced financial difficulties. “Did the city staff fail to do the basic due diligence that I did at home in my spare time? If not, that’s pure laziness and incompetence,” Enos demanded, highlighting concerns about taxpayer exposure to debt.
The Willmar Connect project, which has been in the planning stages since early 2023, aims to establish a fiber optic network throughout the city, managed by Hometown Fiber. The first phase alone is projected to cost approximately $7.8 million, with ongoing funding sourced from internet service providers who will pay fees to the city.
Despite the backlash, City Operations Director Kyle Box defended the initiative, stating, “I can absolutely take criticism, but I feel we’ve done our due diligence.” He emphasized that while there are risks, the network is designed to provide affordable, reliable internet service to residents and businesses.
Box further noted that more than $1 million has already been invested in planning and engineering for the project, with preliminary data indicating community support for the service. “We’ve looked at other networks that have come up short, but the one thing that never left was the fiber,” he stated, advocating for the long-term value of municipal broadband.
As the council prepares to make a decision, the fallout from this controversy raises significant questions about the future of municipal broadband initiatives in Willmar and beyond. What happens next will set a precedent for how cities approach broadband access in an increasingly digital world.
Residents eager for better internet service are watching closely, as the outcome could reshape the city’s connectivity landscape. The council’s decision on January 5 will be pivotal, as it holds the potential to either advance or halt the ambitious $25 million project.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops, and join the conversation on social media using #WillmarConnect.
