Commission approves one-year extension of Rocky Mountain Power franchise while county renegotiates terms

The Davis County Commission on June 23 unanimously approved a one-year extension of a special ordinance governing Rocky Mountain Power’s utility franchise in county easements, giving staff more time to negotiate a detailed replacement agreement. Civil Attorney Michael Kendall told the Commission the extension would postpone the franchise’s July expiration and allow the Attorney’s Office, Community and Economic Development and Public Works to collaboratively draft a more robust agreement.

The extension amends Special Ordinance 2008-0004 and Ordinance 20220009 to extend the County’s franchise terms for an additional year, with a stated beginning date of July 6, 2026 and an ending date of July 6, 2027. Kendall said the extension is intended as a temporary measure “to afford the County the necessary time to collaboratively draft a more robust and detailed franchise agreement for the Commission’s future consideration.”

The motion to approve the extension was made as part of a combined approval of Items 4 and 5. Vice Chair Bob Stevenson moved to approve, Commissioner Lorene Kamalu seconded, and all present voted aye. Chair John Crofts was recorded as voting in favor.

County staff did not present changes to rates or operational terms in the extension; the one-year action preserves existing terms while work continues on a successor agreement. The Commission did not set a timetable in public for the replacement ordinance; further drafting and departmental review were described as the next steps.

The ordinance extension was recorded as ORD #2026-0003 in the meeting materials. The County’s minutes indicate the Attorney’s Office recommended the extension and that staff will return with a proposed, more detailed franchise agreement for future Commission consideration.