Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utility Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission backs renewing Evergy franchise fees — 6% option discussed
Summary
Fort Scott commissioners resumed a multi‑meeting discussion about renewing an Evergy franchise ordinance that would permit the utility to operate within the city; commissioners discussed whether to set the franchise fee at 6% (the high end discussed) to support the budget and voted to approve the ordinance.
The commission returned to a previously tabled item on renewing Evergy Kansas South Inc.'s electric franchise within Fort Scott city limits. Commissioners discussed the balance between keeping rates competitive and supporting the general fund through franchise-fee revenue; the ordinance under consideration would permit Evergy to construct, operate and maintain transmission, distribution and streetlighting facilities inside the municipal boundaries.
"6% is as high as they will go," the mayor noted, summarizing the company position on franchise-fee flexibility. Commissioners said the budget outlook and hospital‑related fiscal pressures influenced their willingness to accept the higher fee level. A motion to approve Ordinance No. 3800 passed after recorded verbal votes (multiple commissioners answered "yes"; Commissioner Wells voted "no"). The ordinance was approved for the record and will be incorporated into city code per the usual ordinance-adoption schedule.
