Notice of Public Hearing
PUBLIC NOTICE OF A MEETING OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES OF THE CITY OF HARRIMAN, TENNESSEE, A/K/A HARRIMAN UTILITY BOARD (HUB) IN RELATION TO ITS BROADBAND BUSINESS PLAN
After developing a business plan and considering the analysis of its business plan by the office of the Comptroller of the State of Tennessee, the Board of Public Utilities of the City of Harriman hereby gives notice that Harriman Utility Board (HUB) intends to proceed with the provision of broadband Internet and related services over a fiber optic network. The fiber optic network will enable HUB to provide additional services to the customers of its other utility services and continue the modernization of those utility systems. The fiber optic network will also enable HUB's customers to utilize the services of providers of Voice over Internet Protocol and other broadband services.
The broadband Internet business plan anticipates extending fiber optic services within HUB's electric system service. The business plan projects annual net losses for broadband operations for the first three years and positive annual net income in all future periods. The broadband Internet plan calls for an interdivisional loan from the Electric system of approximately $6.7 Million for capital expenditures and operational costs through the period of construction. HUB's broadband operations will pay its allocated portion of the costs of the fiber optic network. HUB anticipates using inter-division loans to provide necessary working capital for the broadband Internet system.
The Board of HUB has determined that HUB's provision of broadband Internet services should benefit the City of Harriman, Tennessee and the surrounding area through the availability of new and enhanced services as well as the enhancement of economic development efforts and quality of life in this area.
A public hearing will be held on Monday, February 10, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET at HUB's main office, located at 200 N Roane St, Harriman, TN 37778. The hearing will provide an opportunity for the public to comment on the project and business plan.
The business plan is available for review and download at https://hub-tn.com/public. Members of the public who wish to speak at the meeting can register online at https://hub-tn.com/public or by calling (865) 882-3242, ext. 202. The registration period will close at 5:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 9, 2025.
HUB customers unable to attend the meeting are encouraged to submit comments via email to [email protected], leave a recorded message by calling (865) 882-3242, ext. 202, or mail written comments to HUB Broadband Inquiries/Comments, P.O. Box 434, Harriman, TN 37748. Written comments will be accepted for seven calendar days after the public hearing.
Individuals with disabilities who require accommodations to participate in the hearing may contact HUB at (865) 882-3242, ext. 202 or e-mail [email protected] to discuss auxiliary aids or services..
Download the full business plan here