Generally, MLP's are required to pay into a deprecation reserve account 3% of the replaceable assets per year. We have been figuring this into our financial model for towns and it turns out to be a significant component of cost. Recent communications (below) reveal that Telecom MLP's formed to deliver internet service are not required [...]
By law, the MLP may be governed by either a group of elected individuals (a Light Plant Board) or the Select Board, itself. Because new WiredWest MLPs will primarily be acting as cooperative members and are unlikely to take significant actions independently, it may be most efficient for the Select Board to govern directly. However, The [...]
WiredWest Delegates, At the Board meeting on February 4, 2017 in Becket, the WiredWest Board passed two resolutions for approval by member town Select Boards. These resolutions were already forwarded to delegates who were in attendance at the meeting. If you were not in attendance, the intention is for you to present these to your [...]
Below is a legal opinion regarding the re-organization of the WiredWest MLP Coop as a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC). In brief, it finds that the WiredWest MLP Coop may function as an LLC. There is some follow-up email correspondence with Duncan & Allen regarding MLP operation and collaboration posted below the document. After that, there is [...]
Dear Delegate: The letter and accompanying resolution below has been sent to all town leaders. We urge you to meet with your Selectboard and urge them to consider passing the resolution. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Dear Town Leader: The years-long effort [...]
An anonymous admirer of WiredWest nominated us for the 2016 1Berkshire award for Growing/Advancing the Berkshire Economy. We made it to the finals. WiredWest didn't win, but we were one of 5 finalists. Steve Nelson attended the ceremony to receive the award on behalf on WiredWest. An unexpected recognition of our work.
(Comments below) We are happy to see that MBI is encouraging "Regional cooperation" in this new Last Mile Policy. They are leaving it entirely up to towns to work out details, however some of the policies are contrary to operating a regional network, specifically: Ownership and required utilization of the MB123 middle mile. [...]
As part of its revised Regional Operational Plan, WiredWest will arrange for all services, such as Network operations, Customer Service, Billing, Technical Support, Line Maintenance, etc. on behalf of member towns. Consolidating these services regionally reduces the burden for the towns and lowers costs to customers as described in WiredWest's comprehensive analysis on the benefits of regionalization. WiredWest has released a Request [...]