Commission approves electric franchise, transmits water/waste updates, extends NC Ranch deadline and backs CDBG application

The City Commission of the City of Newberry on April 14 approved four formal items: a 30-year franchise agreement with Central Florida Electric Cooperative, transmittal of amendments to the comprehensive plan’s wastewater/solid-waste/stormwater/potable-water and capital improvements elements to the state, a one-year, single extension for the NC Ranch planned development final-plan deadline, and a motion to submit a Community Development Block Grant (neighborhood revitalization) application.

The franchise ordinance (Ordinance 2025‑O‑03) grants Central Florida Electric Cooperative (CFEC) the right to use city rights‑of‑way to serve customers in the city and establishes a stepped franchise-fee structure. The commission passed the ordinance on its second and final reading. The city attorney read the ordinance into the record and staff described the key terms: a 30‑year term, the utility’s responsibility for its infrastructure and permitting compliance, and a franchise fee starting at 4% of gross electric revenues with step increases in later years. The ordinance also includes an economic‑development incentive option and an indemnification clause for the city. Commissioner Martin moved the ordinance; Commissioner Clark seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

On first reading the commission approved…