Qwest filed a lawsuit in June, accusing UTOPIA of using its quasi-governmental status to provide cost breaks to service providers, thereby creating unfair competition. The lawsuit also alleges that UTOPIA attached facilities to Qwest poles and lines without permission. Riverton city, a member of UTOPIA, was also singled out in the lawsuit.

Belmont expressed the concern Tuesday that doing business with UTOPIA could include American Fork in the lawsuit. City attorneys present at the meeting said the city was only doing business with UTOPIA, not joining it. And while they could not guarantee that the city would be left out of the litigation process, they said any attempt to include American Fork in lawsuits against UTOPIA would be a stretch.

Roger Black, deputy director and chief operating officer of UTOPIA, said the agreement with American Fork and the other parties was important to the agency's ability to provide service to its three member cities in Utah County: Orem, Lindon and Payson.

"We're pleased we're in a position that we think is a win-win for both parties, and we're eager to get on with it," Black said.

Blake also called it a "win-win deal."

"It's an example of synergy, because each of the parties brought something to the agreement and came away with something more," he said. "It's unique to have so many public and private agencies come together like this."

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E-mail: jtwitchell@desnews.com