New Franklin Telephone Service Providers ordinance (§ 620.020)

A. Every person, firm, company or corporation now or hereafter engaged in the business of furnishing telephone service in the City shall pay to said City, as an annual license tax, the sum of two thousand two hundred dollars ($2,200.00).

B. The first (1st) payment of tax provided for herein shall be on November 1, 2004 and shall be in the amount of two thousand two hundred dollars ($2,200.00) for the period from November 1, 2004 to October 31, 2005. Subsequent annual payments shall be made on or before the first (1st) day of November of each year.

C. The payments required by the provisions of this Section shall be a license tax authorized by Sections 71.610, 94,110 and 94.270, RSMo., 2000, and amendments thereto.

D. With respect to persons providing telephone or telecommunication service, these shall be deemed to include all communication services and not limited to the above regardless of the supplier (except cable TV systems).

E. All funds received from the tax imposed by this Section shall be deposited in the General Fund and be appropriated by the Board of Aldermen in the annual City budget.

F. Should any person, firm or corporation engaged in the business of furnishing telephone service or telecommunication services fail to pay the tax as provided for in this Section by the date due, such person shall be penalized in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the tax when due, which penalty shall be payable to the City. Other persons violating the provisions of this Chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Each ten (10) days that violations continue shall constitute a separate offense.

G. All such persons, firms, companies or corporations licensed hereunder on the request of any person shall remove or raise or lower its wires temporarily to permit the moving of houses or other bulky structures. The expense of such temporary removal, raising or lowering of wires shall be paid by the party or parties requesting such raising or lowering of wires and payment in advance may be required. Not less than forty-eight (48) hours' advance notice shall be given to arrange for such temporary wire changes.

H. The right is hereby granted to all such persons, firms, companies or corporations licensed hereunder to trim trees, brush or hedges upon and overhanging the streets, alleys, sidewalks and public places of said City, so as to prevent such foliage from coming in contact with telephone sires and cables, all of said trimming to be done under the supervision and direction of the Governing Body of said City or of any City Official to whom said duties have been or may be delegated.