HOLLAND, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Voters in Holland have approved a proposal to bring more residents high-speed internet.
The primary ballot proposal will fund the building of a fiber network by the city, funded through the sales of $30 million in bonds. People who want the subscription will pay an $800 connection fee through $7 monthly payments for 10 years and pay $35 per month.
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Out of 7,683 votes, there were 3,948 yes votes for the proposal, and 3,735 no votes, according to the unofficial election results from the Ottawa County Clerk’s Office. The 25-year millage is expected to average out to an annual millage rate of 1.12 mills, depending on market conditions, said Pete Hoffswell, Superintendent of Broadband Services for the Holland Board of Public Works.
For a taxpayer with a home valued at $400,000, that comes out to $224 in annual taxes. Private internet service providers would also be able to use the infrastructure to offer their own broadband services, at up to 10 gigabits per second.
Not everyone was a fan of the proposal. A group called “Protect Holland Taxpayers was against it. The group’s website says that everyone who owns property will pay this additional tax on the city.
In addition, the group points out the nearly $1,000 in setup fees will come out of your pocket.
