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Tamworth Select Board renews Charter (Spectrum) franchise agreement, keeps 2% franchise fee
Summary
After a public hearing, the Select Board renewed a three-year franchise agreement with Charter Communications (Spectrum), keeping the existing 2% franchise fee that yields about $4,000 a year to the town.
The Tamworth Select Board on Aug. 26 held a required public hearing and subsequently renewed the town's franchise agreement with Charter Communications (Spectrum), preserving a 2% franchise fee the company pays the town.
Board members said the three-year renewal is the town's standard contract with Charter; no competing providers submitted franchise offers during the outreach period. The town receives roughly $4,000 annually under the agreement, reflecting the 2% payment on Charter's local accounts.
During the hearing residents asked whether the town was locked into Charter or required to seek alternatives each year. Town staff said the renewal is a routine, multiyear contract and that while the town is not legally required to solicit competing franchises every year, a public hearing is required before renewal to allow public comment. Officials also explained that franchise agreements allow cable providers to use public rights-of-way to deliver service; the payment is the town's compensation for that use.
A motion to renew the franchise was introduced and approved by roll call vote. Board members said the town will continue to monitor availability of other providers in the future.
