ITEM: 12.3 Administration - Clark Arneson, City Manager
Title
Approval of the 2012 North Metro Telecommunications Commission Budget
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 2012 is proposed at $1,055,047. This is an increase of $20,328 over the 2011 budget. The increase is due to a step increase for one staff member, an increase in benefits to reflect the average of the benefits given to the Member City employees in 2011, and an up-to 2% salary increase, in the event Member City employees receive raises in 2012. The amount of the percent increase would be the same as the increase given to Member City employees, up to 2%. There is no increase to any other part of the operating budget.
Budgeted capital costs for 2012 are minimal. Most of the equipment purchases will be to replace faulty equipment that is absolutely necessary for maintaining job performance. One new editing system will be purchased to meet the growing demands of the editing public. The total equipment budget is $ 285,933 for 2012.
Franchise fees paid back to the Member Cities are budgeted at $285,933. Franchise fees paid back to cities remains relatively high due to the reduction in capital expenditures.
There is a proposed increase in the PEG fee of 5 cents per month, to $3.06. There was no increase in the PEG fee last year.
Recommendation
By motion approve the 2012 North Metro Telecommunications Commission Budget, and increase to PEG fee by 5 cents per month, to $3.06.