MONTICELLO — Monticello is installing free Wi-Fi in the downtown area, and they aren’t the only ones. A network has already been set up in Albany, there are networks underway in Brooklyn, Juda, and Brodhead, and coming next are New Glarus and Monroe. All of these networks are to be installed by the end of 2026. The goal of these installations is to make sure that everyone in Green County has access to the internet, especially in these downtown areas.

The Monticello Clerk and Treasurer, Stephanie Adams, first heard about this opportunity when the Green County Development Corporation reached out to her.

“I was approached by Wendy Flanagan from Green County Development Corporation, who said the county still had remaining ARPA funds that need to not just be earmarked, but spent by the end of 2026, and that they had been set aside for technology. Their plan was to offer Wi-Fi to all the municipalities in the county for their downtown area,” she said.

The Wi-Fi networks being installed in Monticello will be based in both the Village Hall as well as the pool house to cover as much of the downtown area as possible.

“We already have a Wi-Fi spot in the pool house down in our park, so we’re going to have one at the Village Hall, one at the pool house — they’re going to meet in the middle — and then we’re also going to boost the one at the pool house so it can extend over to the ball diamond,” she explained.

This Wi-Fi network is also not only to be used for businesses — anyone in the area can use it, even from their homes if it falls into the radius of the signal.

“There is no prohibition against residences versus businesses using it,” she said.

The addition of this Wi-Fi network in the downtown and park area will be very beneficial to patrons and businesses alike.

“We’re hoping that it will open up some additional opportunities for different ways that businesses can accept payment from customers. Also, if we have the opportunity to host events in our park where there are sales taking place, it’ll be perfect for that,” she said. “As well as just people enjoying being able to check their phones in the downtown and park area.”

The communities are grateful that the county continues to help improve the welfare of its citizens.

“We appreciate the county’s continued investment in the Green County communities,” she said.