15-222 Public utilities; franchises; power to grant; elections required, when.
15-222. Public utilities; franchises; power to grant; elections required, when.A primary city shall have power to make contracts with and authorize any person, company or association to erect gas works, electric or other light works in said city, and give such person, company or association the privilege of furnishing light for the streets, lanes, and alleys of said city for any length of time not exceeding one year, or for any time not exceeding five years upon being authorized so to do by a majority vote of the electors of such city. The mayor and council shall not have power to grant a franchise for any purpose for a period longer than twenty-five years. Franchises to be granted for a longer period than twenty-five years shall be submitted to a vote of the people and shall require a majority vote of the electors of the city voting thereon at a general or special election. All franchise ordinances shall require three readings on three separate days before passage by the council. SourceLaws 1901, c. 16, § 129, XXVI, p. 133; Laws 1905, c. 16, § 11, p. 213; R.S.1913, § 4436; C.S.1922, § 3820; C.S.1929, § 15-223; R.S.1943, § 15-222.