Fort Madison, IA – Fort Madison is open to change as it works to secure a new franchise agreement with a utility company.
A 15-year agreement between Fort Madison and Mid-American Energy has been put on hold after opponents spoke out against the proposal during a public hearing.
The deal includes a 5% franchise fee on all gas bills.
Mayor Steve Ireland says the city is holding meetings to see if a compromise can be reached so the agreement could move ahead.
A pair of 1-cent local option sales taxes are currently included on the gas bills.
The proceeds are split between the city and the Fort Madison School District.
If the agreement is approved, the 5% fee would replace the two smaller fees and the city would reimburse the school district for its loss.
You can hear more with Fort Madison Mayor Steve Ireland by clicking the audio link above.
Additional Information
* Ireland says the city is open to cutting the franchise fee.
* The fee has already been approved by the city council 1 time so only two more readings are needed.