Monday night, the Marshalltown City Council had three items pulled from the consent agenda all about a potential 3% Franchise Fee.  This was setting the dates for the three readings and public hearings.  Councilor Gary Thompson pleaded with the council to not approve those dates and find another path.

Thompson suggested November of 2027 because that is after the potential EMS Levy vote coming from the County in March. This avoids paying roughly 15 – $20,000 for an extra special election.  Councilor Sue Cahill spoke and reminded people about the previous Franchise Fee election just a few years ago.

Cahill brought up the fact that the transit levy is increasing and water works recently raised their levy.

Councilors then discussed the legal aspect of voting down this measure and their ability to bring it back. City Administrator Carol Webb tried to clear that up.

The councilors then voted 3-4 for all three of the Franchise Fee items and they were voted down with Fonseca, Schneider, and Yepez-Gomez voting in favor.

Zach Tomesch, News Director KFJB