Personnel costs decline while contracts and operational support increase as office shifts toward project oversight and BEAD implementation.
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board on Monday approved a $7.2 million operating budget for the Oklahoma Broadband Office for fiscal year 2027, reflecting the office’s transition from launching broadband grant programs to overseeing construction, project closeouts and implementation of the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program.
The board approved the budget unanimously following a recommendation from its Finance Committee.
The FY2027 budget totals about $7.2 million, down from approximately $7.3 million approved for FY2026, a decrease of about $108,000, or 1.5%.
Contracts account for the largest share of the budget at approximately $2.9 million, followed by personnel at about $2.3 million, shared services at approximately $1.3 million and general operating expenses of about $655,000.
During the meeting, Chief Strategic Officer Edyn Rolls said personnel and travel costs are projected to decline in the coming fiscal year as the office’s work shifts from launching new grant programs to administering existing ones. At the same time, contract spending is increasing to support audits, grant management and environmental reviews required under the BEAD program.
Rolls said the contracts budget also reflects accounting changes that move audit expenses into that category. Shared services now include costs that previously appeared as separate budget lines, including office rent, technology, payroll services, internet service and liability insurance.
Executive Director Mike Sanders also highlighted last week’s first-customer connection celebration in Dewar, saying similar events are expected across Oklahoma as additional broadband projects are completed this year.
Rolls also reported that the office has administered nearly $178.8 million through the American Rescue Plan Act State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund program and more than $36.4 million through the Capital Projects Fund program. She said 21 broadband projects have reached completion and the office continues preparing for implementation of the BEAD program while awaiting its formal grant agreement from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
