The City Council approved an ordinance renewing a franchise agreement with ONE Gas, Inc. (Oklahoma Natural Gas) – and an accompanying proclamation which will present the measure to be considered by voters at a special election on Aug. 25.

The City Council approved an ordinance renewing a franchise agreement with ONE Gas, Inc. (Oklahoma Natural Gas) – and an accompanying proclamation which will present the measure to be considered by voters at a special election on Aug. 25. If approved by voters, ONG will have a 25‑year, non‑exclusive right to use city streets and rights‑of‑way to install, operate and maintain natural gas pipelines and related equipment inside Bartlesville. The company must file a written acceptance after the election for the franchise to become effective. The agreement keeps the City’s current 3% franchise fee on gas sales within city limits. City staff estimate that fee brings in roughly $365,000–$410,000 per year, though actual receipts can vary with weather and market conditions. The franchise fee is payable monthly by ONG to the City and replaces other franchise or occupation taxes for the company. The ordinance also allows the City, by separate action, to adopt a volumetric fee on transported gas in the future. For residents, the renewal should not change how you receive or pay for natural gas from ONG. The ordinance focuses on the company’s right to use public ways, safety and construction standards, and the city’s ability to collect the franchise fee. ONG is required to follow applicable state and federal pipeline safety rules, provide advance notice before planned excavations (48 hours for non‑emergencies), and restore public ways to City standards after work. For further information, review the ordinance and proclamation. The post ONG franchise agreement OK’d, now goes to special election appeared first on City of Bartlesville.