Franchise fee rebate applications are being accepted between Jan. 1 and Feb. 28, 2023.
In October of 2021, the Faribault City Council authorized an increase to utility franchise fees effective Jan. 1, 2022. This fee is in lieu of levying special assessments for traditional pavement management street improvement projects (i.e. mill and overlay and street reconstruction.) The fee is intended to finance these projects and eliminate property owners receiving a large unanticipated special assessment.
A flat fee is charged on each customer’s monthly electric/gas bill. The fee is charged on a per-meter basis based on the property’s classification. Residents should see a $5.00 fee on their electric bill and a $5.00 fee on their gas bill every month.
As part of this process, a rebate program was also established that will rebate a portion of the franchise fees to current property owners, who were also the original owner at the time of an eligible previous street improvement project assessment. Such assessment can be either outstanding or have been paid in full by the original property owner.
All refunds will be issued on the fourth Tuesday of March of each year. The annual refund shall be the lesser of the utility franchise fee paid or the special assessment principal amount for the prior calendar year (i.e. 2023 rebate payment will be for 2022).
To see a description and eligibility for the franchise fee rebate program click here.
Click here for the Franchise Fee Rebate Application.