Council adopts Visionary Communications franchise amid resident complaints about unfinished fiber work

The Evansville Town Council voted July 27 to adopt Ordinance 4-2026, granting Visionary Communications LLC a franchise to operate and maintain a telecommunications system in town on third and final reading.

During discussion, a council member asked, "Would it make sense to wait on this vote until everything is fixed just to keep them moving in that same direction in the getting it done and making sure it's done?" The question reflected multiple public comments earlier in the meeting about holes in alleys and yards left unrepaired after fiber work. Residents had been urged to leave work-order information with the town clerk so staff could follow up.

The town's legal counsel told the council the franchise agreement contains requirements and protections that obligate the company to complete restoration and certain corrective actions. "The franchise agreement itself has requirements for them to do the kinds of things that we're talking about," the town attorney said, noting contractual protections are in place.

Council members said those contractual terms, combined with ongoing communication between staff and the provider, made delaying adoption unnecessary. The ordinance was moved, seconded and adopted by voice vote.

Council members did not read a roll-call tally on the record; the clerk recorded the motion as passed. The town indicated it will continue tracking unresolved restoration complaints and use existing contractual remedies if Visionary fails to complete required work.