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Council advances first reading of nonexclusive FatBeam telecom franchise; fee language updated but no new charges introduced
Summary
Spokane Valley held the first reading of Ordinance 25‑012 granting FatBeam a nonexclusive telecommunications franchise in public rights‑of‑way and moved the ordinance to a second reading. Staff said the only change updated language about franchise fees to reflect current law and did not introduce new fees.
Spokane Valley City Council on July 29 held the first reading of Ordinance 25‑012, which would grant a nonexclusive franchise to FatBeam to construct, maintain and operate telecommunications facilities in the city’s public rights‑of‑way. The council moved the ordinance to a second reading.
Deputy Mayor Tim Hatenberg presented the item and said the draft franchise replaces a 10‑year agreement adopted under Ordinance 15‑014 that will soon expire. He said the only material change to the new agreement was an update to Section 3 to modernize the franchise fee language to reflect current law; the change, staff said, does not alter the fee structure and the city will not receive new fees under the franchise.
Hatenberg invited questions and public comment; none was offered. The council voted to advance the ordinance to a second reading. Staff did not present additional substantive changes to the franchise in the meeting.
The ordinance will return to council for a second reading, and any further modifications or public comments will be considered at that time.
