[Vision2020] franchise fee vote

[Bill London]

Regarding the Daily News article (front page, Nov. 1) about the franchise
fee
> question that will appear on Moscow's November 8 ballot. In the
> interest of clarity I want to point out that this is a "pass through"
> fee. This fact is not apparent from the news article nor from the
> sample question that appears in the large public service announcement
> on page three.
>
> The legislation of 1998 that authorizes these fees also allows for them
> to "pass through" the utility provider and to be added as a surcharge
> to each customer's bill. The utility company merely collects the money
> from the consumer and gives it to the city. The wording of the question
> might make one believe that it is a direct cost to the electric and gas
> franchise holder. It is not.
>
> We have been paying similar fees for decades and the revenues are
> useful to the city, which, of course, is us. Passage of this proposal,
> coupled with recent rate increases will generate needed funds,
> currently earmarked for streets; both  maintenance and capital
> improvements. The wish list for these improvements is long with some
> notable projects at the top.
>
> I hope this clarifies the ballot proposal.  Almost as much as other
> results of the upcoming election, I'm very curious about the outcome of
> this vote.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Evan Holmes