Nelson supervisors concur to dissolve Broadband Authority after near-complete fiber buildout

The Nelson County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously May 14 to concur with the Nelson County Broadband Authority’s determination that its mission is complete and to begin dissolving the authority and transferring its assets and contracts to the county.

County Administrator Candice McGarry told the Board the Broadband Authority had concluded nearly 100% of county businesses and residents now have access to high‑speed fiber service. The Authority adopted a resolution earlier the same day asking the Board to file Articles of Dissolution and, upon winding up affairs, Articles of Termination with the State Corporation Commission. The Board authorized the County Attorney to carry out those filings and to orchestrate assignment of contracts and distribution of assets.

Supervisor Jesse Rutherford, a member of the Broadband Authority, said the authority delayed dissolution for about a year to give remaining unserved locations an opportunity to connect and that the remaining pockets (noted in remarks as small areas near the parkway) should be resolved soon. County staff said Firefly (Central Virginia Services, Inc., d/b/a Firefly Internet Broadband) reported Nelson is likely the first county in the Commonwealth to reach this level of fiber availability.

McGarry said the Broadband Authority’s finances have been run as an enterprise fund and that revenues were currently exceeding expenditures; the County will retain a distinct Broadband Fund to account for ongoing revenues and expenses after the transfer. Board members praised leadership that helped establish the Authority and complete the buildout.

The Board approved Resolution R2024-37 by a roll‑call vote of 5–0. Next steps include legal filings with the State Corporation Commission and administrative actions to effect the transfer and assume any remaining responsibilities.

What’s next: the County Attorney will file Articles of Dissolution with the State Corporation Commission and oversee asset assignment; staff said they will continue to advocate for households not yet connected.