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Oak Grove explores early Comcast franchise renewal to secure free high‑speed internet at city facilities
Summary
City staff proposed negotiating an early renewal of the Comcast franchise to obtain free high-speed internet at city facilities and additional funds for AV/broadcast equipment; council discussed prior franchise funds and asked staff to develop specific requests.
Oak Grove staff told the council they plan to pursue an early franchise renewal with Comcast to secure free high-speed internet at all city facilities and additional funds for AV and broadcast equipment for city operations.
Staff said the city previously received lump-sum franchise payments used for audio-visual upgrades and free Internet at city hall, and noted past grants of up to $30,000 and more recently $10,000 in 2019. The proposed list for renewal requests includes: free Internet at all city buildings (city hall, fire stations, public works, utility plants), waiver of construction costs to extend fiber where needed, and additional funds for AV and broadcast upgrades—particularly with the new municipal building in mind.
Council members asked about approximate dollar values and the staff response said prior lump-sum grants varied and that staff would try to estimate the value of free Internet at multiple facilities. The council directed staff to begin discussions with Comcast and coordinate with the city attorney on approaching an early renewal; no contract or agreement was executed at the meeting.
