GUSTINE — The Gustine City Council on Tuesday will consider authorizing the city manager to sign a warranty agreement with Unwired Broadband, a step city officials say is needed to finalize a federal broadband grant and ensure long‑term protections for city infrastructure.

The agreement stems from a $1.35 million Congressionally Directed Spending grant the city received through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service ReConnect program. The funding supported development of citywide broadband, a project Unwired completed as part of a more than $6 million fiber‑installation effort that now provides fiber‑to‑home service throughout Gustine.

While the installation brought new high‑speed options to residents and businesses, the city raised concerns earlier this year about restoration work, reporting requirements and missing documentation tied to water, sewer and storm line crossings. Those issues prompted the city to temporarily hold the $1.35 million reimbursement rather than release it to Unwired.

City officials said Unwired has since made significant progress. The company changed staff handling grant reporting, provided required as‑built drawings and worked with city inspectors to identify and complete restoration work across multiple zones. All restoration items have now been finished to the satisfaction of city inspectors, according to the staff report.

One outstanding issue involved video documentation of utility crossings, which contractors failed to record as required under the city’s Master Encroachment Permit. Rather than require Unwired to reopen streets to capture the missing footage, the city’s legal counsel drafted a warranty agreement that would cover any damage discovered at those crossings for the next five years. Unwired has already signed the document; the city manager’s signature is needed to execute it.

With corrective actions completed and the warranty in place, staff is recommending the council authorize the agreement and release the $1.35 million in federal reimbursement to Unwired. The city notes that the warranty adds protections on top of existing agreements and that meeting the grant’s requirements is essential for future eligibility for federal community‑service funding.

The item supports Goal 6 of the city’s strategic plan, which calls for reliable, affordable internet access for residents and businesses.