Council approves franchise agreement allowing Southern Light use of city right-of-way with 5% revenue share

The Wetumpka City Council approved an ordinance authorizing the mayor to sign a franchise agreement with Southern Light for equipment and facilities installed in the city right-of-way, and the council discussed a 5% revenue share from Southern Light’s earnings to the city.

The ordinance was introduced as ordinance 2025-4. During discussion a council member asked city staff how the city’s share is calculated; the transcript records the exchange: “Justin, how is that figured? Is there a percentage or how is what what's that based on?” and a council member confirming, “5% of their earnings comes to us.” The council then moved, seconded and approved the ordinance; the chair called for ayes and said the ordinance “has been granted.”

Why it matters: authorizing use of right-of-way and agreeing to a franchise payment commits city approvals and creates a recurring revenue stream if the company operates within city limits. The council’s discussion clarified the compensation rate but the transcript excerpt does not include the full franchise agreement text or the implementation schedule.

Details from the meeting: the ordinance was identified as authorizing the mayor to sign a franchise agreement with Southern Light concerning installations in city right-of-way. A staff member (Justin) was asked about revenue calculation and the council recorded that the city would receive 5% of Southern Light’s earnings. The transcript records a motion, a second and the chair calling for and receiving ayes; no roll-call or individual vote tallies are provided in the excerpt.

Next steps: the mayor was authorized to sign the agreement under the ordinance; the transcript does not include the franchise document, effective date, enforcement provisions, or anticipated revenue amount in dollars.