Ordering a City-Wide Special Election for 11-8-2022 propositions calling for amendments to the City Charter

Home Browse Search

The city shall compile and maintain a public record of all franchises granted by the city, including any extensions or amendments to such franchise grants. Section 124. Regulation of Rates. (1) The city shall have full power after due notice and public hearing to regulate by ordinance the rates, charges and fares of all public utility franchise holders operating within the city as authorized by state and federal law. (2) The city, upon receiving a request from a public service desiring a change in rates, charges, or fares, shall call a meeting for consideration of such change. (3) A holder of a franchise to provide a public service or utility in the city must show the necessity for such service by establishing by clear, competent and convincing evidence: the cost of its investment for service in the city; the amount and character of expenses and revenues connected with rendering the service; and any additional evidence required by the city. (4) The city may select and employ rate consultants and auditors to investigate any requests or changes in rates, charges, or fares. The public service shall reimburse the city for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred. Section 125. Records and Accounts; Annual Reports (1) The city shall require all franchise holders and public service companies operating within the city to file a sworn annual report of the receipts from the operation of the said business for the current year, how much thereof for betterments or improvements, the charges for services rendered to the public, and any other facts or information that the city may deem pertinent for its use. Said reports are to be filed with the city clerk. Such reports shall be reviewed annually by the city council to determine the propriety of the rates being charged. (2) Any franchise holder of a public service company who shall for a thirty (30) day period willingly refuse or fail to report in the manner provided by this charter, or shall file any report, knowing that the same does not truly report the facts about the matters mentioned therein, shall be subject to such penalties as may be prescribed by the city council by ordinance.