Florence council votes to place APS franchise question on November ballot
Loading...
Summary
The Florence Town Council on April 7 adopted Resolution 1987 to call a Nov. 3, 2026 special election asking voters whether to grant a 25‑year franchise to Arizona Public Service Company; the agreement includes a 2% franchise fee and requires APS to comply with town codes and permitting.
Town of Florence officials voted April 7 to place an Arizona Public Service Company franchise agreement before voters this November.
Lisa Garcia, representing town staff, told the council the proposed resolution would order a special election for Nov. 3, 2026 to ask qualified electors whether to grant APS the right to construct, maintain and operate an electrical utility system in town under a 25‑year term subject to voter approval. Garcia said the draft franchise requires APS to follow town codes and permitting requirements, to maintain insurance and indemnify the town, to restore public rights of way after work, and to pay a 2% franchise fee to Florence.
Richie Rosales of APS attended the meeting and was acknowledged by council members. Vice Mayor Adam moved to adopt Resolution 1987; a second was recorded and the motion passed on a voice vote.
The resolution instructs the town clerk to prepare the ballot language and a publicity pamphlet so voters understand the measure. Council members said the publicity materials and an explanation of how the franchise affects permitting and rights‑of‑way would be important for public information ahead of the election.
The council’s action does not itself change any utility operations; it only places the franchise question for a public vote. The town clerk and staff will handle the public information materials and procedural steps leading up to the November election.
