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Rawlins renews CenturyLink franchise; city investigating resident complaints about recent fiber work
Summary
Council approved a long‑standing telecommunications franchise renewal with CenturyLink and heard staff say there is no new CenturyLink fiber work included. Separately, the city is reviewing resident complaints about recent fiber installations by multiple contractors alleging utility and landscaping damage.
The Rawlins City Council voted on June 16, 2026, to approve the third and final reading of an ordinance renewing a telecommunications utility franchise and general utility easement with CenturyLink. Council members noted the renewal continues a long‑standing relationship with the provider; staff clarified the renewal does not authorize any new fiber installation by CenturyLink.
At the same meeting city staff and the city attorney told council that the city has received multiple resident complaints about recent fiber‑installation activity in town. Allegations include damage to third‑party utilities (electric, gas, communications), damage to private service lines, landscaping and sprinkler systems, and encroachment onto private property. Staff said two primary providers and several contractors are involved and that the city is reviewing applicable construction permits, franchise agreements and federal and state authority to assess compliance; no conclusions or enforcement actions had been reached at the time of the meeting.
Council members asked staff to narrow down the specific contractors and installations implicated in the complaints so the city can take appropriate action if violations are confirmed. The city attorney and staff said investigations are ongoing and that staff will report back to council once the review is complete.
The CenturyLink ordinance passed on final reading with unanimous council support. The council’s attention to fiber complaints signals a forthcoming staff report and possible actions related to permits, franchise conditions or contractor compliance.
