Commission grants Metro Act permit to Metro FiberNet (Metronet) despite one dissent

The Mount Clemens City Commission approved a Metro Act right-of-way permit on April 6 allowing Metro FiberNet LLC (also called Metronet) to construct fiber-optic infrastructure in the city's public rights-of-way.

City staff presented the permit application under the Metropolitan Extension Telecommunications Right-of-Way Oversight Act (PA 48 of 2002), explaining the permit would allow the company to install fiber to deliver internet, voice and related services to residential and commercial properties along the construction routes.

During discussion, commissioners asked whether companies pay the city and where poles and construction would occur. Staff said the fees are paid to the state and only limited funding flows to communities; one commissioner recalled the city historically received roughly $32,000 annually from similar permits. The city attorney (Rob) explained why municipalities have limited discretion to refuse timely applications under the Metro Act, saying, "If you didn't act on it timely, it's deemed as a yes," and that the statute was intended to streamline broadband deployment.

After questions, the commission voted to approve the right-of-way permit. The roll call recorded a majority in favor with one dissenting vote from Commissioner Brown. Staff said the permit does not authorize work on private property without separate permissions and that the city will track permit-related receipts and construction notifications through the usual process.