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Council holds first reading of franchise for Alabama Fiber Network; company offers 5% franchise fee and free backup fiber to city sites
Summary
On first reading the council considered an ordinance authorizing a franchise agreement with Alabama Fiber Network to place fiber through Madison. The company proposed a 5% franchise fee on local revenues and pledged free fiber to certain city facilities and first responder sites as backup lines. The item will return for a final vote on July 14.
The City Council on June 30 held a first reading of an ordinance that would authorize a franchise agreement with Alabama Fiber Network to install fiber-optic cable through Madison.
Legal staff described the company as a consortium formed by electric cooperatives to expand broadband to underserved areas and to connect community hubs. The ordinance is a first reading; council members did not vote on final adoption. Legal staff said the planned route moves from a substation on Lanier Road near the post office up to Highway 72, where state permitting would take over.
The company was represented at the meeting by Chris Scolton, identified as the chief technology officer for Alabama Fiber Network. Legal staff said the company is offering a 5% franchise fee on any revenues collected inside the city and would build free fiber lines to certain city facilities, first responder sites and Madison Hospital to provide backup connections in emergencies.
"They're asking for permission to come through Madison," legal staff said during the presentation. The item is scheduled for a final vote at the council's July 14 meeting; staff invited technical questions in the intervening period and said they would provide additional information before final action.
Council members thanked the representative for the company's investment interest in Madison and deferred substantive action to the July 14 vote.
