Fiber Internet Expansion Brings Construction Oversight Concerns

Casey City Council Meeting | March 2, 2026

Article Summary: Director of Public Works Ryan Staley reported that Frontier Communications is preparing to install approximately 25,000 feet of fiber optic cable in Casey. The project has sparked discussions regarding construction bonds to ensure city infrastructure is protected during the boring process.

Fiber Project Key Points:

• Scope: Frontier plans to install 25,000 feet of fiber infrastructure.

• Permitting: The company has submitted permits for aerial work but not yet for underground boring.

• City Concern: Public Works wants specific security funds for each project phase rather than a single “blanket” bond to ensure proper restoration of city property.

During the Officer’s Reports on Monday, March 2, 2026, Director of Public Works Ryan Staley updated the Council on a major infrastructure project by Frontier Communications to bring fiber internet to the city.

Staley expressed concern over the permitting process, noting that while Frontier has applied for aerial line work, they have not yet submitted permits for underground boring. He emphasized the need for strict financial safeguards to protect the city against damage.

“They want to just do a blanket [bond]… but that can cause more issues,” Staley said. He recommended requiring separate security funds for specific quadrants or plan sets. “You’re not setting a security fund for the entire city. You’re setting a security fund for this area, then they finish that area, clean it up, then do another area.”

Staley explained that the security fund amount should equal “the amount of money that it would take for the city to repair if they didn’t repair that area that they’re touching.”

Mayor Mike Nichols agreed with the strict approach, referencing past issues with utility contractors. “We learned the hard way from one of them,” Nichols said.

Staley stated he would review the plans and set bond amounts accordingly as applications are received.