If utilities do not repair the street curb to curb they must pay a degradation fee. Officials stated that this substitute allows a franchise, when required by state or federal law, however, it is unclear that any franchise by a local government is ever required, they are always permitted. Officials assume that there could be cost associated with this lack of clarity. Officials of the City of St. Louis stated that the major impact would be the termination of current franchise fees in 2004. Officials stated this proposal would deprive the City of fees assessed to maintain and repair hundreds of miles of streets.
Fiscal impact is unknown.
Officials stated that with the addition of an emergency clause, the City could incur significant additional expense by being forced to bring in outside consultants to conduct new and un-budgeted studies to determine costs of issuing permits. Officials stated that these costs are estimates and the actual fiscal impact is unknown. Officials of the City of Springfield assume this proposal would have fiscal impact to City funds. Officials assume the actual loss of revenues of in kind services, and other requirements is unknown. Southwest Missouri State University will lose its in-kind services bargained for by the city as a part of the franchise.