Commission extends PacifiCorp franchise for one year and ratifies participation in opioid settlement

The Davis County Commission on June 23 approved extending by one year the county’s 2008 franchise agreement with PacifiCorp (doing business as Rocky Mountain Power) and ratified a participation agreement to join the national opioid settlement for remaining defendants.

Michael Kendall, senior civil counsel in the county attorney’s office, told commissioners the current franchise covers electrical equipment in public easements. He recommended a one‑year extension so staff can prepare a more detailed franchise agreement to return to the commission, noting "the current franchise is going to expire here in July." Kendall also presented a participation agreement for Davis County to join the multi‑defendant national opioid settlement; he recommended ratification of that agreement.

A commissioner moved to approve both items (ordinance 2026‑3 and participation agreement 2026‑598); the motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote.

Why it matters: The short franchise extension preserves the county’s existing access and regulatory framework while staff develops a longer franchise agreement. Ratifying the opioid settlement participation will enable the county to receive settlement funds and participate in allocation processes tied to those cases.

Next steps: County staff will draft the more detailed franchise agreement and return it for commission review; settlement participation documentation will move forward according to the attorney’s office and settlement procedures.