The city of Durango has fiber-optics lines and conduit for Internet use that city officials would like to lease to private companies, but it must first be granted exemption from a state law that prevents that practice. The Durango City Council on Tuesday took the first step in bringing a question to the voters that would allow the city gain an exemption from the law.

Shaun Stanley/Durango Herald file photo

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The city of Durango has fiber-optics lines and conduit for Internet use that city officials would like to lease to private companies, but it must first be granted exemption from a state law that prevents that practice. The Durango City Council on Tuesday took the first step in bringing a question to the voters that would allow the city gain an exemption from the law.

Shaun Stanley/Durango Herald file photo

The Durango City Council will ask voters to give the city greater flexibility in managing local Internet infrastructure.

Voters can expect to see a question on the November ballot asking them to give the city greater independence to partner with private industry and potentially improve Internet access. Tuesday night, the council voted unanimously to move forward with the ballot question, but it has not been drafted yet.

The city has invested in both fiber optics and conduit that it could lease to private companies, but the residents of Durango must opt the city out of a restrictive state law.

Right now, the city is leasing 14 miles of conduit, but opting out of the law could allow the city lease far more.

It could also allow the city to provide Internet directly, but the city has no intention to do that at this time.

“It’s mainly to enhance our businesses,” said Councilor Sweetie Marbury.

mshinn@durangoherald.com