Celeste Brown was one of three Southport residents who successfully circulated a petition seeking a re-vote regarding the $2.1 municipal fiber-optic broadband system. On May 4, she congratulated selectmen for receiving a $400,000 ConnectMaine broadband grant. But before she decides to support the initiative, Brown would like to see an independent review of the project’s finances.

Selectmen scheduled two public hearings prior to the June 28 special town meeting referendum vote. The first is at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 18. The second is at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 22. Brown requested selectmen create a “fact sheet” which included how Axiom Technologies calculated the number of subscribers needed to make the project “tax neutral.” At first, Axiom calculated 320 customers were needed in repaying a $1.5 million loan. But now, the calculation is at 315, according to Axiom President Mark Ouellette who reported the lower figure at the April 27 informational meeting. “We’d all feel better if there were some independent audit of these figures,” she said. “It was a real good meeting (April 27), but we’d really like to see how (Ouellette) reached the 320 figure.”

The project is delayed by Central Maine Power and Consolidated Communications. Southport has applied for pole permits for its fiber-optic broadband network. “Right now, we are at a standstill. Until CMP and Consolidate approve the permits we can’t do anything,” Selectman Gerry Gamage said.

Brown also asked about the June 28 warrant which has four articles. Gamage reported one is electing a moderator. Questions 2 and 3 pertain to the citizens’ petition. Question 2 would “rescind” authority given to selectmen in May 2021 for seeking broadband construction. Question 3 would create a municipal pot of money for “underserved” residents who don’t have access to broadband. Question 4 would “reaffirm” last year’s special referendum town meeting authorizing a municipally owned broadband network providing 100% public access.  

If voters decide to stop the project, Southport would return two broadband grants. The town received a $10,000 Island Institute grant. On April 27, Southport received a $400,000 ConnectMaine grant which selectmen reported would reduce the $1.5 million loan secured last month to build the network. Residents asked selectmen if the grants could be used to repay $640,000 in public funds spent to begin the project. “We received the grants in good faith for a completed project. If we don’t complete it then the money must be returned,” Gamage said. 

Selectmen promised they would provide an information sheet for both public hearings.

In other action, selectmen appointed Tim Maurer as the new harbor master. The board approved two town hall usages. On June 23-25, Sequoia Hoinsky is using the hall for a wedding reception. On May 9, Southport Historical Society will host an event. Selectmen also approved a slate of election and ballot clerks for the next two years. They appointed Judy Marshall, Amy Bateman, Carole Zalucky, Jane Lunt and Mary Hanley. 

Selectmen meet next at 5 p.m. May 11 in the town hall.