ADMINISTRATION - Clark Arneson, City Manager
Title
APPROVAL OF THE 2015 NORTHMETRO CABLE COMMISSION AND NORTH METRO TELEVISON 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 2015 is proposed at $1,200,030. This is an increase of $97,241 over the 2015 budget. This increase is primarily due to a $65,000 increase budgeted for legal fees in anticipation of franchise transfer and renewal expenses, and an "up to" 2% increase in wages and benefits to reflect the increase of the member cities.
Budgeted capital costs for 2015 are $594,095 to continue the replacement of older video systems while to move NorthMetro TV toward a tapeless HD environment, as well as computer software upgrades, licensing agreements, building landscaping, and the building bond payment ($183,000).
Franchise fees paid back to the Member Cities are budgeted at $320,000, which is the same as last year.
The PEG fee for 2015 could be increased by 1.5% from $3.16 per month to $3.21 per month for subscribers, if the Commission wishes.
Recommendation
By motion to approve the 2015 North Metro Telecommunications Commission and North Metro Television Budgets and PEG fee increase.