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Monmouth council advances first reading to let Wanrack build private fiber for Central School District
Summary
On Feb. 3 the Monmouth City Council approved first reading of Ordinance 1421, granting Wanrack LLC a non-exclusive franchise to construct and operate a private fiber network serving Central School District; councilors asked for franchise-fee and revenue estimates before final adoption.
The Monmouth City Council voted to approve first reading of Ordinance 1421, granting Wanrack LLC a non-exclusive franchise to construct, operate and maintain a dedicated fiber-optic system in the city to serve Central School District.
Superintendent Jennifer Kubista told the council the district applied for a federal Category 1 (E-rate) grant that covers roughly 90% of construction costs, with a further 5% matching source from the state, leaving the district with a small remaining share to fund. "The grant was approved by the state and covers 90% of our costs," Kubista said, and she framed the build as a secure, district-only network for students and staff.
Councilors asked detailed operational and fiscal questions. Several members sought clarification that Wanrack, not the district, would own and maintain the physical fiber and that existing local providers such as Minet would continue to provide community internet services. Councilor Lopez asked about the franchise fee the city would collect: staff confirmed a 5% franchise rate is proposed and noted some nearby cities adopt 7%.
Council discussion also covered construction impacts and routing, including plans to underground some segments near the skate park and run other segments along 16th to minimize neighborhood disruption. City Engineer David Carr described the planned routes and told council most of the installation would be underground near the school property and limited to a few locations in the public right-of-way.
The council moved the ordinance forward on first reading by roll call (six affirmative votes). Staff said the ordinance will return for a second reading and formal adoption at a subsequent meeting after the district provides franchise-fee revenue calculations and any requested fee-for-service tables.
Councilors asked staff to provide a clear franchise-fee revenue estimate and a description of any long-term fiscal impacts before the second reading.
