Will Addison Township and the villages of Oxford and Leonard follow Oxford Township’s lead and pay all their cable franchise fees to the Oxford Area Cable Communications Commission?
Cable commissioners discussed that question at their Jan. 26 meeting.
“We’re hopeful they’ll make a favorable choice,” said Cable Commission Chairman Charles Kniffen.
Franchise fees are capped at 5 percent of each cable subscriber’s total monthly bill. Local governments can use franchise fees for cable-related services like public access channels or equipment purchases.
Oxford Township had been keeping 3 percent of its franchise fees and putting the money into its General Fund. The other 2 percent went to the cable commission.
However, the township board voted 3-1 Dec. 30 to pay the entire 5 percent to the cable commission, which oversees the funding and operation of Oxford Community Television Channel 19.
In light of this action, cable commissioners discussed whether or not Addison Township and the villages of Oxford and Leonard will do the same.
Currently, Addison Township and Oxford Village each keep 3 percent of their franchise fees for their respective general funds. The other 2 percent goes to the cable commission. Kniffen reported that Addison is “trying to come up with a motion” regarding the issue.
As for Oxford Village, council is “discussing it,” Kniffen said.
Cable Commissioner George Del Vigna, who also serves on the Oxford Village Council, said he believes the “consensus” of council was to pay the entire 5 percent to the cable commission. He said he’d speak with his fellow officials about the issue.
At the Jan. 27 Oxford Village Council meeting, Manager Mark Slown noted that village attorney Bob Bunting has been directed to “investigate the legal ramifications” of the franchise fees issue.
Cable Commissioner Char Sutherby, who also serves on the Leonard Village Council, said Leonard has “agreed they’re going to give something.”
How much Leonard will give to the cable commission has not been determined, according to Sutherby.
Currently, Leonard receives franchise fees totalling 3 percent, not 5 percent like the other communities, Sutherby said.
However, it was noted that under the proposed new contract with Charter Communications, Inc. – the Oxford-Addison area’s cable provider – all the participating municipalities would receive 5 percent, including Leonard.
“I hope Leonard comes on board like they should,” Sutherby said.
In other commission action:
n Charles Kniffen was re-elected chairman. Kurt Myers was re-elected vice-chairman. Ken Campbell was re-elected secretary. Judy Doublestein was re-elected treasurer.
n Commissioners voted to hold a special meeting Monday, Feb. 16 at 6:30 p.m. At that time, the cable commission’s 2004 budget will be reviewed and approved.