The Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners on Aug. 18 approved a five‑year, non‑exclusive renewal of Verizon’s cable franchise agreement that keeps the town’s 3% franchise fee on annual gross revenue.
Town staff said the shorter five‑year term reflects changes in the cable industry and a shrinking subscriber base. Mr. Krantz, a town staff member who presented the ordinance, said the franchisee “shall pay to the town, 3% of annual gross revenue.”
The vote came after three public hearings on the measure. The board previously enacted a longer franchise in 2008 under Ordinance 7148 for a 15‑year term that ran through Oct. 27, 2023; staff said the town and Verizon agreed to extend the prior agreement while negotiating the new contract.
Why it matters: The renewal preserves a revenue stream for town services but staff warned that income tied to subscriber counts is declining. The agreement also includes a one‑year termination clause allowing Verizon to cancel service if it chooses.
Town staff summarized key terms and the process. Mr. Krantz told the board the town’s agreement is aligned with Harford County’s Verizon arrangement so revenues and provisions are comparable across jurisdictions. He recommended approval of Ordinance 8‑43‑25.
Commissioners remarked that the shortened term mirrors industry trends toward streaming and away from longer cable franchises. After a motion to approve the ordinance was made and seconded, Mr. Krantz read the roll call: Commissioner Rutledge, Commissioner Chismar, Commissioner Taylor and Chair Eddington all voted “Aye” and the ordinance passed.
The ordinance keeps the town’s existing payment structure while converting to a shorter, renewable term that the town and staff said is standard in the current cable market. There were no public comments at the hearing.