Lewiston voters will decide whether or not to increase the Avista Corporation franchise fee from it’s current 1% to 3%.
The Lewiston City Council put the measure on the ballot to raise more money for construction, reconstruction and maintenance of city streets, where the existing $400,000 the municipality gets from the 1% fee currently goes.
According to the Lewiston Tribune, the city would see its revenue from the fee reach about $1.2 million if voters approve the measure. Presently Lewiston Avista customers, including residents, businesses and nonprofits, pay $1 for every $100 Avista charges them for natural gas and electricity.
That number would grow to $3 per $100 if the proposed boost passes, starting about a month after the election is certified.
Lewiston Mayor Dan Johnson says the $1.2 million would be added to $6 million in city revenue from property and gas taxes to repair and upgrade roads.
Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. tomorrow (Tue).
