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Nicholasville commission advances MetroNet telecommunications franchise and approves settlement to end cable franchise
Summary
At its Feb. 24 meeting the Nicholasville City Commission gave first reading to an ordinance to permit CMNRUS LLC (MetroNet) to operate a telecommunications system in the city and approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to sign a settlement agreement letting MetroNet exit its existing cable franchise.
The Nicholasville City Commission advanced an ordinance and approved a settlement Wednesday that together clear the way for CMNRUS LLC (MetroNet) to shift from offering cable service to providing telecommunications services inside the city limits.
On first reading the commission considered Ordinance 177-2025, described by staff as an authorization for the city to enter into a 10-year, nonexclusive telecommunications franchise with CMNRUS LLC (MetroNet). A city staff member told the commission MetroNet is ending its cable service line because "they cannot make any money with that, and they're willing to do away with that." The ordinance would allow MetroNet to continue offering Internet and fiber services under a telecommunications franchise rather than a cable franchise.
Later on the agenda the commission approved Resolution 2025-002, authorizing the mayor to sign a settlement agreement between the city and CMNRUS LLC (MetroNet) that the city said will permit MetroNet to buy out and be released from its existing cable franchise so it can operate under the telecommunications franchise. Commissioners noted the settlement reduces future franchise fee revenue the city had expected; during discussion staff confirmed the settlement amount discussed in the meeting was $10,000.
Both measures faced roll-call votes with all commissioners present voting yes. The ordinance was considered on its first reading; the resolution giving the mayor authority to execute the settlement was approved at the meeting.
Commissioners and staff did not provide further financial projections for the city's long-term franchise-fee revenue stream at the time of the vote.
Votes at a glance: on the ordinance first-reading vote and on Resolution 2025-002 commissioners recorded unanimous yes votes in the roll calls recorded in the meeting transcript.
The commission will return the ordinance for a required second reading before final adoption; the mayor was authorized to sign the settlement agreement immediately.
