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Memphis council approves MLGW 2026 budget after heated comments over streetlight fee and tree-trimming contract
Summary
The City Council voted to approve Memphis Light, Gas & Water's 2026 operating and capital budgets after public criticism of a proposed streetlight fee increase and a controversial five-year tree-trimming contract; MLGW president Doug McGowan defended the costs and said system investments have cut outages by roughly half.
Memphis Light, Gas & Water's 2026 operating and capital budgets were approved by the Memphis City Council on Nov. 18, 2025, following public comment that criticized proposed fee increases and the utility's contracting decisions.
Three residents urged the council to reject the budget and delay a planned 4% electric rate increase and a separate streetlight fee increase. Christine Fox said she opposed the budget and called for an independent audit of a $228,000,000 five-year tree-trimming contract,…
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