In a recent meeting of the New Kent County Board of Supervisors, discussions centered around a proposed cable franchise agreement with Cox Communications and amendments to the county's utilities ordinance.

The board opened with a public hearing regarding the cable franchise agreement, which included a proposed capital fee of 20 cents per subscriber. While some board members expressed concerns about the additional tax burden on residents, others argued for maintaining the fee to support audiovisual equipment maintenance. Ultimately, the board voted to authorize the agreement while keeping the subscriber fee unchanged at 20 cents.

The meeting also addressed amendments to the county's utilities ordinance, prompted by changes in state regulations concerning utility disconnections. Key revisions include prohibiting disconnections during extreme heat, defined as temperatures exceeding 92 degrees, and streamlining policies for water and sewer services. The board unanimously adopted these amendments, which aim to enhance consumer protections without altering utility rates.

In addition to these discussions, board members shared updates on community engagement, including a successful Veterans Day event and the formation of a new veterans group in the county. The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of recent elections and a reminder of upcoming community events, including the New Kent Grand Illumination scheduled for December 1.

The next board meeting is set for December 9, 2024, with a work session planned for November 26, 2024.