Keokuk, IA – Keokuk is one step closer to signing a 25-year franchise agreement with a local utility.
After several years of discussions, the city council has approved the 1st reading of the deal with Alliant Energy.
The agreement has a clause that would allow the city to opt out of the franchise, every 5 years, if it so chooses.
Mayor Dave Gudgel says there are several benefits to a franchise agreement with Alliant.
They include some legal protection and funding for local organizations.
He says Alliant could also charge the city for any work the utility performs since there is not a franchise agreement in place.
Gudgel says there are currently about $187,000 in bills that could be sent from recent work.
The franchise agreement could be finalized at the next council meeting.