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ADMINISTRATION <br />Finance department implementsnew billing software <br />The look of your utility bills is about to change! <br />The old-style postcards are no more. <br />Be on the lookout for an envelope from the City of <br />Lake Elmo, which will include a full-size utility <br />statement as well as other pertinent and timely <br />information for City residents. <br />You’ll find a much more detailed statement as well <br />as details on how to sign up for the new platform, <br />paperless billing, and autopay! <br />Understanding franchise fees in Lake Elmo <br />Under Minnesota law, cities may charge utility companies a franchise fee for using public <br />rights-of-way to deliver gas and electric service. These public areas—typically located along <br />roadways—are used for utility lines, construction access, and snow storage. The City of Lake <br />Elmo has franchise agreements with Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy that allow these <br />companies to place infrastructure in the right-of-way to serve local customers. <br />Lake Elmo’s current franchise fees were established through an ordinance mutually agreed <br />upon by the City and the utility companies in 2025.These fees help the City offset the rising <br />costs of providing essential public services without increasing property taxes or imposing <br />special assessments on homeowners. By spreading costs across all gas and electric users, <br />franchise fees create smaller individual contributions while ensuring those who benefit from <br />city services help support them. <br />Revenue collected from franchise fees is evenly divided, with 50 percent dedicated to <br />infrastructure improvements and 50 percent supporting the City’s Parks Capital Fund—helping <br />maintain and invest in community assets that residents enjoy every day. <br />Page 3The Source | Winter 2026 <br />City Updates <br />Some voters in Lake Elmo will see a new location this fall <br />Precinct 2 voters, who have been voting at the old city <br />hall building, will move to Rockpoint Church, providing <br />voters with a convenient and accessible new location this <br />fall on Election Day. <br />Residents assigned to this polling place will receive <br />official notification with updated details prior to the <br />election. Voters are encouraged to review their notice or <br />check their polling location in advance to ensure a <br />smooth voting experience. <br />Lakeelmo.gov