ITEM: 12.1 ADMINISTRATION- [Clark Arneson]
Title
APPROVAL OF THE 2014 NORTH TELEVISION BUDGET AND PEG FEE INCREASE.
Background
Each year the Cable Commission presents its budget to the member cities for their consideration and approval. The budget must be acted on by October 15th of each year by the member Cities. If no action is taken, the budgets are automatically deemed approved.
The Commission's operating budget for 2014 is proposed at $1,104,001. This is an increase of $37,558 over the 2013 budget. This increase is due to an "up to" 2% increase in wages and benefits to reflect the increase of the member cities, the addition of a 20 hour per week public access assistant, and money for a web site redesign.
Budgeted capital costs for 2014 are$439, 638. This is $6,588 lower than 2013. All equipment purchases are being made in order to maintain the integrity and safety of the systems while also moving NorthMetro TV toward a tapeless HD environment.
Franchise fees paid back to the Member Cities are budgeted at $320,000. This is a $35,000 increase over the franchise fees paid to Cities in 2013.
The PEG fee for 2014 would increase by 1.7% from $3.16 per month to $3.21 per month for subscribers.
Recommendation
By motion, approve the 2014 North Metro Telecommunications Commission budget and PEG fee increase.