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Show WILL REDUCE GAS, ; AUGMENT REVEFJUE Proposed New Public Service Serv-ice Franchises for Ogden Under Negotiation. Special to The Tribune. OGDEN, Aug. 1 0. A reduction of 15 cents per 1000 feet in the prico of gas and an occupation tax that will net the city about $40,000 during the life of the proposed grant are two features of the new public service franchises upon, which the city commissioners and representatives of the companies have agreed. Another conference of the com-; com-; missioiiers and company oQicials was held this afternoon. "While it is not altogether certain that agreements will he reached on all joints, it was announced after the con-terenc-e that negotiations are progressing progress-ing smoothly. t The gas and electric business in this 1 city is under one management, but two franchises are desired, one to the Utah Power & Light company for electricity and anotherto the Utah Light fc Traction Trac-tion company for gas. It has been agreed that the present rate for gas of $1.40 per 1000 with tho usual 10 cents off for payment in seven days shall be reduced to $1.25. or $1.13 with the reduction. As agreed upon at present, the occupation tax shall become effective in 1919 at the rate of one-fourth of 1 per cent of the gross earnings the first year and increasing year after year. The maximum has not. been definitely decided upon. The city is also to be given liberal deductions as to electricity for light and power. Under certain conditions the monthly charge for street arc lamps is to be reduced from $4.75. as at present, pres-ent, to $4.50. The city is 'also to be furnished with free electricity in case power is ever needed for drawing water wa-ter from the municipal artesian wells in Ogden valley. Additional conferences confer-ences will be held to consider the franchise fran-chise provisions informally before the ordinances are publicly considered bv the commission. |