A resolution requesting the Director of Finance to take the action necessary to dedicate a portion of the franchise fee paid by Nashville Gas Company to be used to provide assistance to citizens who cannot afford to pay their gas bills.

WHEREAS, Nashville Gas Company currently has a franchise from the Metropolitan Government to sell and transport natural gas within Nashville and Davidson County; and

WHEREAS, as part of the franchise agreement, Nashville Gas pays an annual franchise fee of five percent of its gross receipts, which is estimated to result in approximately $9 million in revenue to the Metropolitan Government for the current fiscal year; and

WHEREAS, Piedmont Natural Gas Company, the parent company of Nashville Gas, has proposed a 39% increase in natural gas rates for customers this winter on top of the large increase customers incurred last year; and

WHEREAS, as a result of this dramatic increase in gas prices, many senior citizens and low-income families will have great difficulty heating their homes this winter; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Government find a way to use a portion of the $9 million in franchise fees paid by Nashville Gas to assist persons who cannot pay their gas bills this winter.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Director of Finance to take the action necessary to dedicate a portion of the franchise fee paid by Nashville Gas Company to be used to provide assistance to citizens who cannot afford to pay their gas bills.

Section 2. The Director of Finance is further requested to respond to the Council as to the feasibility of and/or action taken in compliance with the request stated in Section 1 hereof not later than sixty (60) days from the date of adoption of this Resolution.

Section 3. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to David Manning, the Director of Finance.

Section 4. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Jamie Isabel