Residents and businesses on Marco Island could soon face a 3% increase on their electric bills as city leaders mull a plan to reinstate a franchise fee on utility provider LCEC.
City Council voted 4-3 to advance the measure during a first hearing. If passed in a second and final vote, the fee would take effect in fiscal year 2026 and appear as a line item on electric bills. The funds would go into the city’s general fund as compensation for LCEC’s use of public infrastructure like roads and sidewalks.
WATCH AS CITY COUNCIL DEBATES PLANS TO EFFECTIVELY RAISE ELECTRIC BILLS FOR RESIDENTS:
Marco Island considers 3% electric fee for residents, businesses to boost city revenue
Marco Island previously imposed a 5% franchise fee on electricity, but that was reduced to zero in 2009 and has remained that way ever since…