Normal may handle broadband net’s HR needs

Dec. 02--NORMAL -- Employees of the new Central Illinois Regional Broadband Network LLC would be considered town of Normal employees under a proposal the City Council will consider tonight.

The infant corporation -- formed only a few months ago -- does not have the staff or network in place to handle personnel matters such as payroll services, employee benefits and tax filings, according to a council report by Steve Mahrt, Normal's corporation counsel.

CIRBN plans to hire at least three people -- an executive director, a chief technology officer and an administrative support person -- to operate the recently completed regional broadband network that covers 19 communities and six counties.

According to the pact the council will consider at its 7 p.m. meeting today in the council chamber at Uptown Station, CIRBN employees would be considered town employees and fall under the town's personnel code, employment policies and benefits.

CIRBN, funded by user fees, would jointly manage the employees and reimburse the town for their salary and benefits. The salary would be determined by CIRBN LLC.

If CIRBN fails to make the payment, the employees can be placed on administrative leave.

The corporation also must maintain a minimum of $1 million in liability insurance and indemnify the town from any claims that might come from the employees.

Normal is one of several members of the LLC. Others are Illinois State University, Bloomington and Heartland Community College.

ISU headed the three-year broadband construction initiative and was a sub-recipient of a federal and state grant that covered the cost of the project. Construction was completed and service started for the 109 participants this summer.

The grant requires CIRBN assets be transferred to CIRBN LLC by the end of the year.

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