Sheldon, Iowa — Fifty-seven people, including Sheldon city staff and four of the five Sheldon City Council members, were on hand Wednesday night to get more information on the proposed franchise agreement between the City and MidAmerican Energy.
City Manager Sam Kooiker tells KIWA about some of the questions and concerns expressed at Wednesday’s meeting.
The proposed franchise, and the fee it would generate for the City of Sheldon, is just one of the reasons to grant a franchise to the utility.
If the franchise agreement comes to pass, the City has earmarked the franchise fee to help fund the City’s emergency services. Kooiker says there was much discussion Wednesday about whether it was a fee, or another tax.
The City Council could enter into an agreement without putting it to a vote, or they could put it on the ballot. If they opt for the first option, it could still be forced to a vote by a petition from citizens in what’s called a reverse referendum.
The second in the series of three informational meetings will be held from 5 to 7 this evening in the Fire Department/ SCAT office at the Emergency Services Center on 5th Avenue.
