Petition seeks public vote on franchise fees

Davis says voters should get to make the decision

A petition intended to force a referendum vote on proposed gas and electric franchise fees in Fort Dodge has been launched by a former City Council candidate.

"This should have been voted on by the people of Fort Dodge, not the City Council," Scott Davis said Monday.

Davis, who ran unsuccessfully for the Ward 1 seat in last year's election, wants the public to vote on the fees, which are projected to bring in about $2.4 million annually to pay for hiring eight additional police officers. Revenue from the fees would also be used to lower that part of the city property tax levy that goes toward paying off general obligation bond debt. Additionally, revenue from the fee would help pay for quality of life and infrastructure initiatives.

"I'm all for more police," Davis said. "I want to make it a priority to say that I am not against hiring more police. I'd love to see them do that. I just want it done the right way by voting on it."

The franchise fees would be 5 percent levies added onto the electric and natural gas bills of MidAmerican Energy customers.

If the franchise fees are approved, the 1 percent local option sales tax levied on gas and electric bills would be eliminated.

The result would be a net increase of $3.68 per month on average residential electric bills, according to figures provided by the city.

There would also be a net increase of $3.18 per month on average residential gas bills, according to those figures.

Davis said gas and electricity are necessities. He added that paying the fees will burden people living on fixed incomes.

"When is enough, enough?" he asked.

The City Council has approved the fees on two of the three required readings.

The first reading was approved unanimously Jan. 22. The second reading was approved Feb. 12 on a 6-0 vote with one council member absent.

The council is scheduled to vote on the third and final reading on Monday.

Council approval on three votes is the standard procedure for enacting an ordinance in Fort Dodge.

Davis said he thinks he needs about 230 signatures to force a referendum vote on the fees.

He said so far he's "had one heck of a great response."

"I've been overwhelmed," he said.