Date of annual assessment of property--Information considered--Earnings, income and franchises considered--Separate valuation of property within municipalities

The Department of Revenue shall assess the property of all light and power, heating, water, natural or artificial gas companies on the fifth day of July of each year. In making the assessment, the department shall consider all the reports, facts, and information filed, with any other information obtainable, concerning the value of the property of all light and power, heating, water, natural or artificial gas companies and may add any property omitted from the return of such companies. In making the assessment, which shall be with reference to value and ownership on January first of the year for which the assessment is made, the department shall take into consideration, among other things, the amount of gross earnings and net incomes, and the value to each light and power, heating, water, natural or artificial gas company of its franchises, rights, and privileges, granted under the laws of this state to do business in this state. In making the assessment the department shall fix a value on all the property of each company which is situated within the limits of any city or incorporated town, separately.