Casey County Fiscal Court’s regular session focused on holding Spectrum accountable for damage and poor oversight during its countywide fiber build while preserving the project’s long-term benefits.

Opening approvals

Representing Spectrum, Benjamin U’Sellis is Director of Government Affairs for Charter Communications. He presented Spectrum’s apology for construction problems, including property disruption, unmarked vehicles, crop damage, and risks to water infrastructure during drought conditions.

Spectrum construction response

Spectrum said it had resolved 17 of roughly 25 complaints and would address the remaining cases within days. It committed to direct county contacts, more in-house crews, clearer contractor identification, English-speaking crew representation, and paid water-line spotters for future digging.

Protecting water and rights

Officials identified water supply protection as the immediate priority, noting residents already face limits on water use. Spectrum agreed to continue restoration and service work only, with no new trenching or expansion-area work until the court reviews progress and considers restoring right-of-way access.

The court paused new expansion work pending repairs and a right-of-way decision. The Court will meet with Spectrum again next Monday morning for review. The project represents an investment by Spectrum of more than $12.5 million in Casey County.

Taxes, roads, and visibility

The court accepted Extension District, ambulance, and Board of Education tax rates for filing purposes, including the school system’s 47.8 rate tied to a 4% revenue increase. It also began the process to remove Ronald Clemens Road from county inventory and required county vehicles to be clearly marked, except undercover sheriff’s vehicles.

Communications infrastructure

The court discussed new repeater sites and equipment buildings for Bryant Ridge, Sand Knob, and Dye Knob. The existing radio system is planned as a backup at the Smith Road cell tower under a newly secured 20-year tower-use agreement.