New Carlisle council backs Ohio Municipal League challenge to AT&T tariff at PUCO

The City of New Carlisle council adopted Resolution 2024-17R on April (date not specified), voting unanimously to support the Ohio Municipal League's challenge to AT&T's tariff application before the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.

The resolution, introduced to the council as “Resolution 2024‑17R,” says AT&T seeks a tariff change that could shift relocation costs for communications lines onto municipalities when local governments need to relocate or alter utility infrastructure. “Their request to PUCO is to put that cost and burden onto the city of New Carlisle prepaid now instead of at their expense,” a council member explained during the introduction of the resolution.

Council members individually voiced support during roll call. Vice Mayor Eggleston, Mayor Cook, Councilwoman Groh (Growe in the agenda packet), Councilman Vaughn, Councilman Shami (Sheehan), Councilwoman Wright and Councilman Lindsay each voted “yes,” producing a 7‑0 tally and an approved outcome.

The resolution records the city’s formal support for the Ohio Municipal League’s petition at PUCO and notes potential legal steps: council members said joining broader action could lead to litigation and possible initial costs, which would require approval by city counsel before the city incurred them.

No ordinance, budget appropriation or contract was passed as part of the resolution; the action is a statement of support and direction to staff to align the city with the Ohio Municipal League’s challenge. The resolution text published in the council packet is titled “A resolution of the City of New Carlisle supporting the Ohio Municipal League's challenge of AT and T's tariff application at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.”

Council members did not specify next administrative steps or a timeline in the meeting minutes other than noting that any litigation or participation costs would be subject to counsel approval.