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Millis select board approves five‑year Verizon FiOS cable license renewal
Summary
After a public hearing and questions about compensation and opt‑out protections, the select board approved a five‑year Verizon FiOS cable license renewal; staff said the agreement continues prior terms including PEG‑access funding and capital payments.
The select board opened and closed a public hearing on a five‑year renewal of the Verizon FiOS cable license and then voted unanimously to approve entering into the renewal agreement as written.
Town staff noted the proposed license mirrors the previous agreement and explained two principal municipal benefits: PEG‑access funding equal to 5% of the cable operator’s gross receipts and capital payments required by the contract to support local community media equipment and operations. Staff also confirmed the proposed five‑year term was consistent with available options and that the final agreement was in the meeting packet and posted on the town website.
Members of the public asked about contract costs and opt‑out protections. Town staff responded that the license determines the payments Verizon makes to the town (including PEG funding) and said the agreement includes safeguards meant to prevent the private company from exiting the contract in ways that would financially harm the town.
After hearing public comment, the board closed the hearing and voted to approve the license renewal. The board recorded the motion as carried by unanimous vote.
