Comcast meeting March 15

Dear Editor:

I encourage every county resident to go and voice their concerns and opinions on “Our” Cable TV Franchise Agreement. A few of my concerns, opinions and questions are:

First, I would like to clarify that the County Commission meeting is not March 16 as the survey form on the county website says. It is Thursday, March 15 at 1:30 p.m.

Second, Comcast does not pay the 5% or $47,000. The customers (county residents) pay the franchise fee. It is listed as a separate line item on your Comcast bill. It may range from $3 to $5 or more depending on the gross revenues on the services you get.

Third, Comcast should remit the franchise fees collected from county residents monthly not quarterly. This would help the county’s cash flow. It is approximately $3,600/per month.

Fourth, Can the county reduce, increase or eliminate the franchise fee?

Fifth, On the county website it calls it a Video Franchise Agreement. I am trying to get verification on whether it is a Cable TV Franchise Agreement renewal or some new franchise agreement and potential fee that county residents may have to pay.

Sixth, The number of customers and the franchise fee amount has been declining the last several years. The current General Service Obligation is at least a density of 15 homes per mile. This requirement should be less, say 10. This would increase the number of county residences and their options for cable TV service and would increase the county’s franchise fee receipts.

Seventh, We should require at least two if not three PEG channels. PEG Stands for Public, Education, Government.

Eighth, The county should definitely require a maximum five year term agreement instead of 15 years.
Bring your questions, opinions, concerns before the Commission.

Ron Martin
Berkeley Springs