Who is responsible for paying franchise fees?

Franchise fees are typically paid by the utility company or the party named in the franchise agreement; check your agreement and the city invoice for the named payer.

Where do I send payment?

Send payment to the City of Mesa Finance/Treasurer using the remittance instructions on the city invoice or as provided by the Finance office.

What if I disagree with the billed amount?

Contact Mesa Finance/Treasurer to request an explanation and submit documentation; unresolved disputes may be referred to the City Attorney.

Pay Gas & Electric Franchise Fees in Mesa

Utilities and Infrastructure Arizona 3 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026

Mesa, Arizona requires utilities that use city rights-of-way to operate under franchise agreements or city ordinances. This guide explains where payments for gas and electric franchise fees are processed, which city offices handle collection and enforcement, and the practical steps for utilities, contractors, and property managers to pay or query fees. Use the official city code and the Finance/Treasurer office as your primary references for amounts, billing cycles, and remittance instructions. For the controlling ordinance language and franchise terms see the municipal code.^[1]

Who handles franchise fee payments

Franchise fees tied to utilities operating in Mesa are administered through the city’s revenue and finance functions; legal enforcement generally involves the City Attorney when collection or compliance actions are required. If you are a utility or vendor with a franchise agreement, contact the Finance/Treasurer office to obtain current billing instructions, remittance addresses, and electronic payment options.

Contact the City Treasurer for official remittance instructions.

How to pay

Verify whether your company is the party named in the franchise agreement or whether fees are billed to a property owner.
Request the current billing schedule and approved payment methods from Mesa Finance/Treasurer.
Submit payment using the method specified by Finance (check, ACH, or other approved channel).
Keep remittance records and a copy of the franchise agreement or city invoice for audit and reconciliation.

Penalties & Enforcement

The Mesa municipal code sets the city’s authority to negotiate franchise agreements and collect franchise fees; however, specific penalty amounts and daily fines for nonpayment are not specified on the cited municipal code summary page and must be confirmed in the relevant ordinance or invoice.^[1]

Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
Escalation: the code does not list a detailed first/repeat/continuing-offence schedule on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: the city may pursue collection, administrative orders, or legal action through the City Attorney; specific remedies are not itemized on the cited summary.
Enforcer and complaint pathway: Finance/Treasurer handles billing and initial collection; refer unresolved compliance matters to the City Attorney or the department named in the franchise agreement.
Appeals and review: the municipal code summary does not specify formal appeal time limits; contact Finance or City Attorney for procedural deadlines.

If you receive a notice of nonpayment, act quickly to request billing details and avoid escalation.

Applications & Forms

The municipal summary does not publish a dedicated public form for franchise-fee remittance; payment instructions and any required remittance forms are provided by the Finance/Treasurer office or appear on the official invoice sent to the franchisee.^[1]

Common violations

Late or missing payments reported on an invoice.
Failure to file required remittance reports or reconcile billed amounts.
Operating without an approved franchise where one is required.

Action steps

Locate the franchise agreement for your utility or property to confirm payer and schedule.
Contact Mesa Finance/Treasurer to request payment instructions and to confirm any outstanding balances.
Make payment using the method the city specifies and retain confirmation for records.
If you dispute an amount, submit a written inquiry to Finance and, if unresolved, request referral to the City Attorney for review.

FAQ

Who is responsible for paying franchise fees?: Franchise fees are typically paid by the utility company or the party named in the franchise agreement; check your agreement and the city invoice for the named payer.
Where do I send payment?: Send payment to the City of Mesa Finance/Treasurer using the remittance instructions on the city invoice or as provided by the Finance office.
What if I disagree with the billed amount?: Contact Mesa Finance/Treasurer to request an explanation and submit documentation; unresolved disputes may be referred to the City Attorney.

How-To

Confirm whether a franchise agreement applies to your operation and identify the payer named in that agreement.
Request the current billing instructions and remittance address from Mesa Finance/Treasurer.
Submit the payment using the city-approved method and retain proof of payment.
If there is a dispute, file a written inquiry with Finance and request further review if needed.

Key Takeaways

Franchise-fee payments are processed through Mesa Finance/Treasurer; review your franchise agreement for payer details.
Contact Finance early if you receive a notice to avoid escalation to legal collection.

Help and Support / Resources

[1] Mesa City Code - Code of Ordinances (Municode)