Willard to renegotiate fiver optic agreement

The Willard City Council has unanimously voted to initiate a renegotiation of their current fiber optic franchise agreement with Connext. The move comes ahead of the existing contract's expiration date, which is set for December 8, 2026.

City Attorney Amy Hugie noted that the original agreement only required a one-time fee of $50. The city is now looking to update terms to include a recurring franchise fee of approximately 3.5%, aiming to better reflect current utility service standards and revenue needs.

This renegotiation could lead to increased municipal revenue and updated service terms for residents using Connext fiber. As the community continues to expand its digital infrastructure, the council’s decision ensures that the partnership with service providers remains beneficial and sustainable for the long-term growth of the city.