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Commission approves Vero Fiber franchise amid calls for vendor vetting
Summary
The Warrenton commission approved a standard franchise agreement with Vero Fiber that gives the city a 5% franchise fee and clarifies fiber placement; Commissioner Mitchell said staff should provide more information about the company before finalizing such deals.
The Warrenton City Commission voted to approve a standard franchise agreement with Vero Fiber as part of its consent calendar. City staff told commissioners the agreement would give the city a 5% franchise fee on revenues generated within city limits and would clarify where the company can place its fiber optics.
Commissioner Mitchell raised concerns about vetting the company, saying the commission "doesn't know this company" and asking whether the item should be postponed for more information. City Manager responded that the city receives similar franchise requests periodically and that the 5% fee is set in city code. The consent calendar passed with Commissioner Mitchell recorded as opposed.
The action places the Vero Fiber agreement on the city's books under the city code franchise fee structure; staff did not provide additional details about the company's local customers or operating history during the meeting. Commissioner Mitchell asked for, and received, a commitment to provide more material information about the vendor in future discussions.
