Fort Madison, Iowa Development News
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City Council June 16 2026, 5:30 PM
Published: Jun 16, 2026
Council Approves Electricity Franchise Fee Increase, Amends Gas Fee Proposal Amidst Business Concerns
The City Council considered increasing franchise fees for electricity and gas. The proposed ordinance change for electricity was to increase the fee from 1.5% to 3%. For gas, the proposal was to increase the fee from 1.5% to 3%, and also to include 'transport customers' who were previously not charged. There was significant discussion and public comment from industrial representatives who expressed concerns about the lack of advance notice for budget planning and the cumulative impact of increased fees on their businesses. The council voted to amend the motion for the gas franchise fee to keep it at 1.5% and include transport customers, resulting in an estimated $20,000 revenue shortfall compared to the initial budget. The electrical franchise fee increase to 3% was approved for its second reading, with the final reading to follow. The motion to amend the gas fee passed, and a vote on the amended motion was also approved.
Public Works Building Project Contract Decreased by $2,250
The City Council approved Change Order Number Three for the Public Works Building project, resulting in a decrease of the contract amount by $2,250. The total contract amount is now $1,518,325.89. This decrease is due to the decision not to paint some of the interior piping. Councilmember Sparrow moved to approve the change order. The council voted unanimously to approve.
City Council Approves Transportation Services Contract with Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission
The City Council approved a one-year contract for transportation services with the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission, effective July 1, 2026. This approval includes authorizing the mayor's signature on the contract. Councilmember Jaeger moved to approve, and Councilmember Roller seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous among those present. This action follows a community update from the CBUS Transit Director, Pat, who discussed fare increases and the vital nature of the medical shuttle service.
Fort Madison Police Officers Granted Expanded Residency Option
The City Council approved the second reading of an ordinance establishing residency requirements for Fort Madison police officers, allowing out-of-state residency within 45 air miles of the city's corporate limits. Councilmember Sparrow moved to approve, and Councilmember Merschman seconded the motion. The ordinance passed with unanimous approval from those present.
Citizen Proposes Nonprofit Partnership for Code Enforcement Compliance
During the 'Visitors and Appearance' portion of the meeting, a citizen proposed a proactive partnership initiative to create a nonprofit focused on code enforcement compliance. This nonprofit would offer volunteer labor and community resources to help property owners fix violations before fines are incurred, aiming to keep residents in their homes and clean up neighborhoods more efficiently. The proposal also seeks to allow city resources to focus on abandoned and dilapidated houses. The speaker requested the City Council direct the City Manager to place this partnership on an upcoming workshop agenda for formal referral process development.
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The Fort Madison News archive
City Council June 16 2026, 5:30 PM
City Council Special Meeting June 2 2026, 12:00 PM
City Council Special Meeting June 2 2026, 12:00 PM
City Council June 1 2026, 5:30 PM
City Council May 19 2026, 5:30 PM
City Council May 05 2026, 05:30 PM
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