The Knoxville City Council will hold a public hearing next Monday, May 7th, regarding a proposed increase in a utility franchise fee. The increase would be from one percent to five percent, increasing the average bill in Knoxville by 50 dollars a year. Stewart has told KNIA/KRLS News that the increase is a proactive response to the discussions of commercial property tax rollbacks in the state. He says that under one of the proposals that’s been discussed this session, the city’s budget would be decreased by nearly 500,000 dollars. This increase is estimated to make up between 300,000 and 400,000 of that loss. The public is invited to comment to the City Council their thoughts on the proposal next Monday during the City Council meeting. That takes place at 6:15 at City Hall.