Cowlitz County recesses public hearing on proposed Ziply Fiber franchise until April 14

The Cowlitz County Board of Commissioners opened a public hearing on a proposed 10-year, non-exclusive telecommunications franchise with Ziply Fiber Northwest, then voted to recess the hearing to April 14 to give the company more time to review contractual terms.

Susan Eugenus, county engineer, told commissioners the franchise before the board would grant Ziply authority to use county rights-of-way under the county's standard franchise form. "This would be a 10-year non-exclusive telecommunications franchise for the rights-of-way within the county," she said, explaining the form requires compliance with the county's public-works utility accommodation policy and coordination on relocations.

Doug (county staff) outlined the legal context and the board's procedural options, noting the enabling statute (referenced in the hearing as "36550") allows the board to adjourn or continue hearings. "What I propose today is . . . to adjourn the matter and reconvene the hearing at 9:30 on April 14," he said, recommending a recess to allow Ziply more time to vet the franchise language with its council.

Members of the public asked how the franchise would affect existing utilities and whether Ziply already operates in surrounding jurisdictions. Staff said franchises do not specify exact placement of facilities within the right-of-way; instead, franchisees must follow the county's utility accommodation policy and use the state's locate (811) process before digging. Staff also described the standard transfer and removal provisions: if a carrier leaves the area it must transfer its franchise or clear its facilities from the right-of-way.

After public comment, the board voted in favor of the motion to table/recess the hearing to 9:30 a.m. on April 14 so Ziply Fiber Northwest could present representatives and any requested modifications to the standard franchise terms.

Next steps: the hearing is recessed and scheduled to continue on April 14 at 9:30 a.m. County staff said they will notify the board when Ziply is prepared to present.