Blackfoot City Council talks franchise fee

The Blackfoot City Council is proposing a franchise fee to address a growing problem.

The issue is pot holes in the streets which may cause tire damage, rim damage and possible car accidents.

Voters will have the chance to either vote yes or no on the proposed franchise fee which will be seen on your Idaho Power bill.

The fee would be a 2 % increase, and will be used to fix the streets.

“Look at the streets. Just look at the streets and address it that way. We have a challenge and we’re going to continue to work on this regardless but this will give us more resources to be able to address those challenges that they clearly see themselves,” said Mayor of Blackfoot Paul Loomis.

The mayor said all the funds would go to the street department.

Not everyone is on board with this proposed fee increase, councilman Chris Jensen, said “For me, I see it as a way to hide a tax to city residents by having the utility collect it.”

Three public hearings will be held before the Nov. 3 election.