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City Council budget rises to $4.23 million as WITN warns of $244,000 PEG funding gap
Summary
City Council proposed an FY 2026 budget that increases staff and community funding, and WITN station managers told council the government access channel faces a structural shortfall as Comcast subscribers fall, forcing the council to consider cuts and alternative revenue sources.
City Council presented its FY 2026 operating request April 2, proposing a combined budget of $4,231,972 across the general and CBT funds, with council staff and elected‑official costs the driving increases and the city’s government access channel, WITN, warning of a structural funding shortfall.
The council’s presentation, led by Chief of Staff Elijah Simmons and council staff, showed a total FY 2026 request that is about 11 percent above the current level and a general‑fund increase of roughly 20 percent. Officials attributed much of the increase to personnel costs, added positions and reallocated lines.
Why it matters: the proposed council budget increases the office’s staffing and community programming budgets while the government access channel used to broadcast council and committee meetings faces a revenue decline tied to falling cable subscriptions. Council must reconcile these items as part of the overall city budget process.
Key council budget items - Totals and increases: The combined council budget (general fund and CBT fund) was…
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