Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utilities Franchise topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Waterville renews CenterPoint Energy franchise agreement, schedules hearing on proposed $3 monthly fee
Summary
The Waterville City Council voted to renew a 20-year franchise agreement with CenterPoint Energy and set a public hearing for Aug. 5, 2025 to consider adding a $3.00-per-month, per-account franchise fee; council accepted the first reading and passed the motion 5-0.
The Waterville City Council voted unanimously on July 1 to renew its 20-year franchise agreement with CenterPoint Energy and to initiate consideration of a $3.00-per-month, per-account franchise fee. The council set a public hearing for Aug. 5, 2025 and accepted the first reading of the agreement.
Councilmember Dave Wollin asked whether the city could impose a franchise fee; City Attorney Jason Moran confirmed that the city can adopt such a fee by ordinance. Councilmembers noted any fee would likely be passed through to customers by the utility and could be used at the council's discretion, including for general fund purposes or targeted municipal uses.
Tim Smith moved to renew the franchise agreement with added consideration of a $3-per-month fee and to set the public hearing for Aug. 5; Scott Potter seconded. The motion carried 5-0. The public hearing will be the required forum for comment if council chooses to proceed with an ordinance to set a fee.
If council later opts to adopt a fee, Minnesota law requires the ordinance process and public notice; the council has scheduled those steps beginning with the Aug. 5 hearing.
