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Board grants 25‑year franchise to Southwest Gas, clarifies franchise/utility operator fees
Summary
Douglas County approved a 25‑year franchise with Southwest Gas through May 1, 2050. The board added a clarifying footnote that the franchise fee is imposed in addition to an existing utility operator fee.
Douglas County approved a 25‑year franchise agreement granting Southwest Gas Corporation the right to install and maintain gas system facilities within county rights‑of‑way through May 1, 2050. The agreement imposes a franchise fee of 2 percent of Southwest Gas’s gross revenue from gas sales in the county.
Public affairs manager Stacy Woodbury of Southwest Gas told the board the utility has served Douglas County customers since 1964 and asked for a 25‑year term. Public Works Director Phil Richter noted a clarifying footnote would be added to the franchise agreement to specify that the franchise fee (2%) is imposed in addition to the existing utility operator fee of 2.5% the company pays; school district franchise obligations under NRS 709.110 were also noted.
Motion and vote: Commissioner Tolbert moved approval of the franchise agreement, including the clarifying footnote; Commissioner Rice seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
What it means: Southwest Gas will continue to operate in county rights‑of‑way under a long‑term franchise; the county’s agreement clarifies that franchise fees are in addition to an existing operator fee. The board noted the company’s long operational history in the county and its cooperation on relocations for county projects.
