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Legislators voted on three resolutions, including the authorization to issue up to $7 million in bonds to help fund the project. The Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board, which is overseeing the project, requested funding from Cayuga and Cortland counties to cover certain expenses, such as buying fiber and obtaining the necessary permits.

David Bottar, executive director of the Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board, previously told the county that its share will be reimbursed from the state grant. However, local commitment is needed to ensure the project meets its deadline. The state grant must be spent by Dec. 31, 2026, because the source of the funding is the American Rescue Plan Act. The law requires the funds to be spent by the end of that year.

The bond resolution required a two-thirds vote, meaning eight of the 11 legislators must support its passage. There was hesitation from some lawmakers, namely Mark Strong and Ben Vitale, who revealed they opposed it before changing their stance.

"I'm very concerned about our position and being able to get bonds, grants, (bond anticipation notes)... but this project is probably the lifeline for Cayuga County and central New York," Vitale, I-Montezuma, said. "If we don't do this, we could be putting ourselves even farther behind."

Strong, R-Moravia, added: "I was a pretty hard no on this. I have a huge amount of concerns about the money being reimbursed. I probably made my concerns already known, but I will support this very reluctantly."

Legislators also acknowledged that the county is facing a difficult fiscal situation. With preparations underway for the 2026 budget process, it is likely that the county will not be able to use its fund balance to close budget holes. They will need to take other actions, such as spending cuts or tax increases, to balance the budget.

Despite those concerns, several legislators said they were optimistic about the project. Legislator Heidi Nightengale, D-Auburn, said they need to continue looking forward and take advantage of opportunities like this one. Legislator Aileen McNabb-Coleman, D-Sennett, noted that three other counties in central New York — Madison, Onondaga and Oswego — have already advanced broadband projects using American Rescue Plan Act funding.

"This is a mechanism to strengthen broadband," McNabb-Coleman said. "I do believe that we will never see this again."

Legislators Bob Shea, R-Union Springs, and Tom Winslow, R-Weedsport, said they were cautiously optimistic while recognizing the impact it could have on attracting businesses to the county.

Anna credited Tracy DiGenova, Gov. Kathy Hochul's central New York regional representative, with setting up a call with Empire State Development to answer questions about the project. Although there are risks with the project, he is also optimistic. He described it as a "vital" project.

The Legislature voted 10 to 1 to approve the bond resolution. The lone opponent was Legislator Hans Pecher, C-Genoa, who said he is "opposed to gambling with people's money."

Two other resolutions related to the project were approved at the meeting, which was held at the Ward O'Hara Agricultural Museum. One resolution dealt with an intermunicipal agreement for the project, while another provided a $250,000 advance to the regional planning board so it can obtain the project permits. The money will be reimbursed to the county and is part of the $7 million committed to the project.

Both resolutions passed 10 to 1, with Pecher as the lone no vote.

The project will construct a 275-mile fiber network in Cayuga and Cortland counties. Bottar told legislators in May that it is expected to reach 75% of the unserved population in the two counties.

There is a tight timeline for the work, with the goal to be substantially completed by the end of 2026 when the federal broadband funds must be spent. The permitting process can take six to nine months, according to Bottar. The buildout of the fiber network is projected to begin in summer 2026. It will take four months for the buildout, he said.

The network will enable internet service providers to extend high-speed internet to businesses and homes in Cayuga and Cortland counties.