1968 Recommendations to Change Fiscal Year

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Sectiolllo. Franchise value not to be allowed. In fixing reasonable rates and charges :for utility'- service Within the city and in determining the just -compensation to be paid by the city for public utility property wh#ch the city, -may acquire by condemnation or otherwise, nothing shall be included as the value of any franchise granted by the city under this charter. Section 111. Right of regulation. All grants, renewals, extensions, or amendments of public utility franchises, whether it be so provided. in the ordin8me or Opt, shall be subject to the right of the city: (1) To repeal the same by ordinance at any time for fail- ure to begin construction or operation within the time -prescribed or otherwise to comply with the terms of the franchise, such power to be exercised only after due notice and hearing. (2) To require an adequate extension of plant and seMce, and the maintenance of the plant and fixtures at the highest reasonable standard of efficiency. (3) To establish reasonable standards of service and quaL ity of products and prevent unjust discrimination - in service or rates. (4) To prescribe the form of' -accounts kept by each such utility; provided, that if the utility shall keep its ac- counts in accordance with the uniform. system of accounts for said utility prescribed by the National Association of Railroad and Public Utility Commis,. sioners, the Federal Power Commission, the Federal Communications Commission, the Railroad Commission of Texas, their successor, or successors, this shall be deemed 'sufficient compliance with this paragraph. At any time to examine and audit the accounts and other records of any such utility and to require annual and other reports, including reports on local operations by each such public utility. (5) To impose such reasonable regulations and restrictions as may be deemed desirable or conducive to the safety, welfare, and accommodation of the public. (6) To at any time require such compensation and rental as may be permitted by the laws of the State of Texas, Section 112. Consent of property owners. The consent of abutting and adjacent property owners shall not be required for the construction, extension, maintenance or operation of any public utility; but nothing in this charter or in any franchise granted thereunder shall ever be construed. to deprive any such property owner of any rights of action for damage or injury to his property as now. or hereafter - provided by law.