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Council calls utility franchise election for Nov. 5, 2024; Southwest Gas to appear on ballot
Summary
The Town of Sahuarita adopted a resolution calling a franchise election for utilities (including Southwest Gas) on Nov. 5, 2024. Southwest Gas said the agreement modernizes an existing 25‑year franchise, will not raise rates and will be publicized to voters in English and Spanish.
Council adopted Resolution 2024‑0791 to call a utility franchise election to be held Nov. 5, 2024, placing a Southwest Gas franchise renewal (and potentially other utility franchises) on the ballot.
Town staff described the purpose of franchise agreements: to set rules for how utilities use town rights-of-way, coordinate maintenance and restoration, and clarify the working relationship between the town and utilities. Walter, representing Southwest Gas, described the measure as a modernization of an earlier 25‑year franchise with no intended rate increases. He said the company would publish the full agreement locally in English and Spanish and assist with voter information and cost-sharing for election materials.
Council discussed timing and ballot saturation—staff and the utility noted the county's publicity pamphlet and the utilities’ own outreach would make the measures visible to voters. After discussion, council voted to adopt the resolution to put the franchise question(s) before voters in November; the motion carried unanimously.
