Scott County Fiscal Court adopts Ordinance 2602 creating telecommunications franchise

The Scott County Fiscal Court on April 13 adopted Ordinance 2602, establishing a non-exclusive franchise for the operation and maintenance of a telecommunications non-cable system in Scott County.

The ordinance, read for a second time at the meeting, outlines franchise creation, application procedures, rights and standards in the public right-of-way, moving permits, tree trimming requirements, bonds and insurance, non-discrimination provisions, transfer-of-control rules, compensation, performance bonds, and penalties. The text cites provisions of the Kentucky Constitution (sections 163 and 164) as the authority for awarding telecommunications franchises.

During discussion the court reported contacting a representative of Spectrum. According to the meeting record, the Spectrum contact, Ben U Cellus, "texted back ... 'Their legal team had no concerns.'" The court said the ordinance is available for public examination at the Scott Fiscal Court Clerk's office at 101 East Main Street in Georgetown.

Rick Hostetler moved to adopt the ordinance and Rob Jones seconded. The court carried the motion by voice vote; no roll-call tally was stated on the record.

Why it matters: the ordinance formalizes terms and conditions for any franchisee to place telecommunications facilities in county rights-of-way and sets operational, financial, and aesthetic standards intended to protect county infrastructure and public safety. The ordinance also prescribes the county's remedies for noncompliance and steps for advertising for bids and other procurement processes.

The fiscal court listed the ordinance's first reading as March 26, 2026 and the second reading as April 13, 2026. The court did not announce a specific effective or implementation date during the meeting.