Kempner OKs fee increase
By MAT TAYLOR Special Correspondent

Kempner City Council, during a recent meeting, adopted a franchise fee agreement with Kempner Water Supply Corp.

Previously approved by KWSC directors, the agreement increases the fee to five percent and will cover a term of five years.

Mayor Gene Isenhour said the previous contract carried a two percent franchise fee and was good for 10 years.

"A franchise fee is an agreement to allow a utility company to do business in the city, and to allow them to use city streets and right of ways," Isenhour said. "When the city incorporated, the city had a 10-year agreement with Kempner Water, and that has expired. The cost of street repairs has risen dramatically in the last 10 years."

The city also is in negotiations with other utility companies to update their franchise fee agreements, the mayor said.

In other business, Hamilton County Electric Cooperative member services representative Joe Raibourn gave the council an update on its electric activities in the area. He presented a check for $1,998 to the mayor for the cooperative's first-quarter franchise fees.

Raibourn also presented a complimentary box of small items and energy-saving tips to each council member and to other Hamilton County Cooperative members in attendance. "However, this will not make your electric bill go away, but it should help," he said.

The representative said the bill collection contract with Kempner Water is working well.

"The contract has been a great benefit for our electric customers, and enables them to pay their water and electric bill at one location."

Raibourn said the cooperative does not have plans to construct an office in the Kempner area at this time. With continued population growth, however, a business office may be added in the future.

In another matter, the council approved the financial statement after its review by city auditor Jack Clark. Clark said the report covers the first half of the fiscal year.

"Currently, you have $200,000 on hand with a fund balance of $155,000, which is excellent," the auditor said. "Financially, the city is in very good condition. You are taking in more revenues than expenditures."

One reason for the revenue increase is the large rise in sales tax receipts for the first six months of the fiscal year, Clark added.

Kempner business owner Otho King also addressed the council. King said he had applied for a temporary sign permit, but he wanted clarification about use of a temporary sign to advertise his twicemonthly auctions and monthly flea market events.

He questioned whether the sign ordinance allows use of a temporary sign for an event held on a regular basis.

Isenhour said the council has scheduled a workshop May 13 to update the sign ordinance. He invited King to attend and offer his input. The businessman was given approval to use a temporary sign until the council takes further action.

In addition to the upcoming workshop, the council will meet in a regular session May 13 at 7 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers.