Free public Wi-Fi access is coming to downtown Franklin next spring.
During its November meeting, the Franklin Town Council approved a $58,255.91 contract for Aerolina of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, to install a public Wi-Fi network.
“The idea is to help boost the economy of downtown and provide a place for individuals that don’t have access to broadband internet,” said Town Planner Justin Setser.
Two access points will be mounted on top of the Macon County Courthouse with additional points installed on the existing power/light poles along Main Street. The approximate broadcast range will be from Town Hall at the top of Town Hill to the Lazy Hiker on West Main Street, and will include portions of Stewart, Iotla and Phillips streets, and the town parking lots on Palmer Street.
The Wi-Fi access is meant to provide access for downtown patrons, citizens and students. The system will be designed to support high levels of use during the numerous downtown events held throughout the year.
“This Downtown Wi-Fi District will provide a space for anyone that comes downtown with safe reliable broadband Wi-Fi internet connection. Whether that is residents, students, visitors, people applying for jobs, crafters at one of the downtown events, patients using telehealth for a doctor’s appointment or working remotely while enjoying downtown,” Setser said.
The system is not intended for providing ongoing internet service inside private businesses or for residential needs.
According to the project timeline, the equipment should be installed in January with services available beginning March 1, 2024.
As part of the contract with Aerolina, there is a monthly service fee of $500. The project is being paid for with a $30,000 grant from the Appalachia Regional Commission. Dogwood Health Trust awarded the town a $20,000 grant to help pay the matching portion of the grant, and the town has budgeted $10,000 for the project.
Three other quotes were received for the project: Ovation Technology Group, $91,029; Vyve Broadband, LLC, $169,344; and Black Bear Lock and Security, $78,167.74.
In other business at the Nov. 6 meeting, the Town Council:
• Approved a resolution authorizing the payment period for Hendon Tiller Franklin LLC to be extended another 23 months. The economic development loan in August 2021 was for the property on Siler Road and was originally for $200,000 at 5% interest to be payable over 23 months. The new terms are the remaining balance of $167,561.11 at 8.5% interest.
• Agreed to consider a lease of town property on Stewart Street to the Rathskeller for outdoor dining/food truck. The terms of the lease are being negotiated and will be presented at a later meeting.
• Approved an extra $500 in holiday bonuses for town employees; $500 was already in the budget and this will increase the total bonus to $1,000. Merit raises were not included in this year’s budget because the employees’ salaries had been adjusted following the compensation study conducted earlier this year. During the budget process Town Manager Amie Owens has asked to review the town’s fiscal performance following the first quarter.
In her report to the council, she stated, “The town is financially performing well, keeping expenditures within budget constraints, are moving projects forward and are continuing to find ways to show efficiency and effectiveness.”
Owens said the town is in a good financial position to reward its employees. The budget amendment for the additional bonuses is $32,643.50.
• Approved a resolution for retiring Sgt. Laurie Beegle to purchase her sidearm, valued at $300.
The next Town Council meeting will be at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4 in the board room on the lower level of Town Hall. That will be the organizational meeting with the swearing in of the mayor and council members elected this year.
Town offices will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 23 and 24 for the Thanksgiving holiday.