City reports $35K franchise fee from Comcast but anticipates revenue decline

The Plaistow Selectmen's meeting held on May 20, 2025, addressed several key financial issues, with a significant focus on the town's revenue from Comcast franchise fees.

During the meeting, it was reported that the town received a quarterly payment of $35,635 from Comcast, which represents 5% of the company's billing to residents. While this amount appears substantial, it was noted that this payment reflects a decline of nearly $6,000 compared to the same quarter last year. This decrease is attributed to a growing trend of residents moving away from Comcast services.

The implications of this trend were discussed in detail, with concerns raised about the potential loss of revenue over the course of the year. If the current trend continues, the town could face a revenue shortfall of approximately $25,000 to $30,000. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges in budget planning and revenue forecasting for the town, as officials noted that such losses could significantly impact financial stability.

The discussion underscored the importance of monitoring these trends as part of the budget process, emphasizing the need for strategic planning to address potential shortfalls in revenue. The Selectmen acknowledged the necessity of adapting to changing circumstances in the telecommunications landscape to ensure the town's financial health moving forward.