“With oil gushing into the Gulf of Mexico and the environment at risk, the need to end the state’s fossil-fuel addiction has become increasingly urgent. But rushing into — or out of — an important FPL agreement is unwise.
This is an issue that needs much more discussion, analysis, understanding and public input before a 30-year decision — one that could seriously impact the environment, city finances and customers’ pocketbooks — is made.
With the existing franchise agreement’s expiration imminent, we urge FPL and the city to work out a one-year extension if possible. It is not a real solution, but it would buy time for the citizens of Sarasota to explore their options.
Whether the city stays with FPL or branches out in a new direction, the consequences will be significant. Everybody needs a chance to understand them.” – Sarasota Herald Tribune
To read the entire article – Sarasota Herald Tribune
It will take a lot of courage to stand strong against the tide of FPL.
No municipality is under any obligation to enterinto a franchise agreement with any utility orprovider of public service. The municipality cansimply add the pass through franchise fee to themillage rate. The franchise agreement is simplya way of hiding or disguising municipal taxes forwhich the municipality needlessly gives up sovereignty and gains nothing. With an FPL franchise agreement, the municipality gives up the right to generate and sell power for no good reason. All franchise agreements should go the way of buggy whips.