By David Ballerstein - Marshfield Now! ​ Marshfield,WI - The Utility Commission will consider a draft Dark Fiber Policy during its upcoming public meeting scheduled for Monday, January 19, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. The policy review continues a discussion that began during earlier Commission meetings, where members examined how the utility’s dark fiber — unused fiber-optic strands within its network — should be managed, priced, and made available to customers. In previous discussions, commissioners weighed whether dark fiber leases should be structured using a market-based pricing model or an internal rate-of-return approach aimed at recovering long-term infrastructure costs. Staff previously reported that the dark fiber system serves a relatively small customer base, estimated at fewer than 50 potential users, while replacement costs for the network were projected at approximately $2.5 to $2.6 million. Those figures prompted questions about how to ensure that specialized services do not place a financial burden on general utility ratepayers. The draft policy expected to be discussed Monday is intended to address customer eligibility, lease terms, and pricing principles. The meeting will include a public comment period, during which members of the public may address the Commission after stating their name and address. The Commission may also take action on emergency matters introduced by the public. Additional agenda items include governance and operational matters such as general manager contingency and succession planning, commission key performance indicators, job orders, bills and payroll, financial reports, and approval of minutes from the December 12, 2025 meeting. The Commission is also scheduled to recognize Erick Boon for 25 years of service to the utility. The Utility Commission meeting is open to the public and will be conducted in compliance with open meeting requirements.