NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

After developing a business plan and considering the analysis of its business plan by the Office of the Comptroller of the State of Tennessee, the Board of Directors of Humboldt Utilities Authority (Humboldt Utilities) hereby gives notice that it intends to proceed with the provision of broadband Internet service and the development of a fiber optic network to provide Internet and other broadband services. The fiber optic network will enable Humboldt Utilities to provide additional services to the customers of its other utility services and continue the modernization of those utility systems. The fiber optic network will also enable Humboldt Utilities' customers to utilize the services of providers of Voice over Internet Protocol and other broadband services.

The broadband Internet business plan anticipates extending fiber optic services within the City of Humboldt, Tennessee. The business plan projects annual net losses for broadband operations for the first three years and positive annual net income in all future periods. The broadband Internet plan calls for capital expenditures of approximately $2.3 million for equipment for the Internet system and related installations. Humboldt Utilities will also expand its electric system fiber optic network. Humboldt Utilities' broadband operations will pay, at a minimum, its allocated portion of the costs of the fiber optic network. Humboldt Utilities anticipates using inter­ division loans to provide necessary working capital for the broadband Internet system.

The Board of Directors of Humboldt Utilities has determined that Humboldt Utilities' provision of broadband Internet service in connection with the construction of the fiber optic network should benefit the City of Humboldt, Tennessee through the availability of new and enhanced services as well as the enhancement of economic development efforts and quality of life in this area.

A public hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at the Humboldt Utilities Main Office (207 South 13th Avenue, Humboldt, TN). Members of the public are invited to attend and provide comments on the project. To discuss auxiliary aids or services required by persons with disabilities to facilitate participation, please contact Humboldt Utilities at (731) 784-9212. Written comments may also be submitted for consideration by the Board, either by hand-delivery to the Humboldt Utilities main office or by mail to:

Board of Directors of Humboldt Utilities

P.O. Box 850

Humboldt, TN 38343

Published this 1st day of October, 2025.