PORT TOWNSEND — Jefferson County commissioners Monday unanimously granted a franchise to Puget Sound Energy despite a Port Townsend-area resident’s objections.
The commissioners approved the franchise after they heard concerns from Tom Thiersch, who voiced strong opposition on the proposal at a March 21 public hearing.
Thiersch argued there was nothing in the agreement that guarantees the franchise will be transferred to the Jefferson County Public Utility District as part of PSE’s sale of assets to the PUD.
The agreement, as written, would allow PSE to charge rent for use of the power poles to carry the new NoaNet broadband fiber even though the pact would only allow Jefferson County to use its poles without charge.
“Only Jefferson County gets to use it for free, and all others have to pay a fee,” Thiersch said of the agreement.
“That seems somewhat inconsistent.”
Jim Pierson, who put together the agreement for county public works, recommended the franchise be approved despite Thiersch’s concerns.
Jefferson County PUD accepted the power authority granted to it by voters in a November 2008 election, later signing a nonbinding letter of intent with Puget Sound Energy to purchase PSE’s electric system in East Jefferson County for $103 million.
PUD General Manager Jim Parker said the franchise agreement is merely to explain how PUD and PSE can operate on county rights of way.
“As soon as we purchase PSE’s assets, it would transfer over to us,” Parker said, adding that PUD recognized that the agreement was non-exclusive.
PUD is a member of Northwest Open Access Network, or NoaNet.
Pierson explained that the PUD and PSE would apply to the county to transfer the franchise.
He said after the commissioners signed the agreement, the county Department of Public Works will submit it to PSE for formal acceptance.
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Sequim-Dungeness Valley Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-681-2391 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.
