Frankfort City Commission Unanimously Stands Up to Attempts to Sell the Plant Board; Gives "Unwavering Support" to FPB

FRANKFORT, Ky. – At a meeting Monday evening, the City of Frankfort Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to support the Frankfort Plant Board (FPB), as State Senator Gex Williams pushes legislation forcing the sale of the utility’s broadband business and spiking rates for Frankfort citizens.

“We’d like to thank Mayor Wilkerson and the Board of Commissioners for their bold leadership in protecting Frankfort’s Plant Board and the essential services we provide our community,” said FPB General Manager Gary Zheng. “We appreciate the Commission’s strong commitment to working with us to do what’s right for the people of Frankfort.”

“Sen. Williams’ proposed legislation has stirred serious concern with our ratepayers and customer-owners,” said Zheng, who noted that hundreds of Frankfort residents contacted the City Commission to express their dismay. “The proposal is a terrible idea that would hurt the people of Frankfort. The people pushed back and last night Sen. Williams got an answer – an unequivocal message from our leaders that Frankfort is not for sale.”

Williams’ proposed legislation would force the sale of FPB’s broadband business to out-of-state corporations, eliminating the excellent local service on which Frankfort residents rely. As a fully integrated utility, a broadband sale would create a ripple effect across all services FPB provides and residents would suffer the consequences – rate hikes on power and water and a loss of customer service.

Under current statute, the Board of Commissioners can determine the future of the Frankfort Plant Board, ensuring local decision making is responsive to citizens. Sen. Williams is attempting to remove local control and would ultimately put decisions about essential services in the hands of out of state corporate interests.

“FPB remains committed to providing quality, reliable utilities at the most affordable rates. We are grateful that our Board of Commissioners is standing up for our community,” added Zheng.

“I encourage municipal utilities and local governments across the state to beware. If we don’t stop this now, you could be next,” Zheng said. “Call your legislator immediately and tell them to oppose the Gex Williams plan.”

To read the resolution, click here.

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