Athens approves franchise for Unity Fiber affiliate and authorizes $23,103.48 payment for fiber installation

ATHENS, Ala. — The Athens City Council on Sept. 22, 2025, approved a nonexclusive franchise for Unity Fiber Gulfco LLC to construct fiber-optic transmission lines along certain public rights-of-way and authorized a $23,103.48 payment from water service department cash reserves to Limestone County for fiber-optic line installation. City staff said Unity Fiber Gulfco is an affiliate of companies that already hold franchises in Athens and that the new franchise mirrors terms in the Southern Light franchise. The franchise ordinance passed by roll call, 4 yeas, 0 nays. Separately, the council approved an unbudgeted payment of $23,103.48 from the water service cash reserve to Limestone County for fiber installation. Councilmembers noted the payment required a rule suspension because it was unbudgeted; the motion to suspend the rules and approve the payment passed by roll call, 4 yays, 0 nays. Presenters told the council that the new franchise would use substantially the same facilities and language as the city’s existing franchises and that the arrangement is nonexclusive. The franchise ordinance and payment resolution were adopted at the meeting.