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Council approves Lake Haven Water and Sewer District franchise agreement after split vote
Summary
On May 22 the council approved a franchise agreement with Lake Haven Water and Sewer District that aligns the district with other utilities’ 6% franchise terms. Debate focused on whether the fee is effectively a tax and on fairness; the ordinance passed by a 4‑3 vote (motion recorded as passing 4‑3 in the transcript).
The Des Moines City Council approved a franchise agreement with Lake Haven Water and Sewer District on May 22 after discussion about whether the 6% franchise fee is effectively a tax and whether the city should rely on utility franchise fees as a revenue source.
The consent agenda item was pulled for clarification and discussion before the vote. Staff explained the franchise agreement calls for Lake Haven to pay a 6% franchise fee consistent with other utility agreements in the city and said the franchise contract includes a variety of terms beyond the fee, including protections and operational provisions for right‑of‑way use. Councilmembers…
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