Friday, March 13, 2026 |
Photo – Rawlins City Hall – Bigfoot99 file photo
Rawlins officials voted to delay changes to the city’s right‑of‑way access fees, clearing the path for franchise agreements with internet providers.
In January, the Rawlins City Council began the process of approving franchise agreements for two communications companies: Visionary Communications and All West Wyoming. Both providers plan to install new fiber‑optic lines in the city, providing residents with additional options for high‑speed internet access.
The franchise agreements authorize the companies to install and maintain underground utilities in the public rights‑of‑way, with the city receiving financial compensation for overseeing the work.
State statute requires franchise agreements to be approved three times during three separate public meetings. Visionary and All West were scheduled for final approval at the February 17th Rawlins City Council meeting, but the governing body was presented with a resolution to change right‑of‑way permit costs before the vote. Under the amended fee schedule, franchise holders would be required to pay $325 for every 350 feet of subsurface work in the public right‑of‑way.
Representatives from the communications companies opposed the changes and questioned how city officials arrived at the proposed costs. Due to their comments, the Council chose not to adopt the amended fee schedule. Instead, the governing body directed city staff to meet with franchise holders and develop a more agreeable solution. In the meantime, final approval of the franchise agreements for Visionary Communications and All West Wyoming was delayed until the updated fee schedule could be approved. The decision appeared to frustrate Visionary Broadband CEO Brian Worthen.
The matter was discussed again at the March 3rd Rawlins City Council meeting. City Attorney Pinita Maberry‑Nave recommended leaving the amended fee schedule tabled while her staff works on a more focused resolution.
Attorney Maberry‑Nave said franchise holders will still be expected to follow the existing right‑of‑way ordinances while staff continue working on the resolution.
Shortly after, the governing body approved franchise agreements for both Visionary Communications and All West Wyoming. Following the vote, Councilman Steve Sanger asked the city attorney if she had reached out to franchise holders and applicants about the amended right-of-way fee schedule. Attorney Maberry-Nave said yes, adding that she had also contacted other towns and cities and found that their prices varied widely.
Attorney Maberry‑Nave said the amended fees must also account for emergency situations and other unforeseen circumstances. She offered to bring a more comprehensive resolution to a future City Council meeting.
