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Council hears that franchise-fee revenue for city channel is shrinking; staff to review equipment options and complete email migration
Summary
City staff told the council that cable-franchise fees — the primary funding source for the city channel — are falling as cable subscriptions decline, that other channel equipment is near end-of-life, and that council devices must be turned in for an e-mail migration to Microsoft 365.
City staff reported concerns about funding and equipment for the city's cable channel and described an upcoming technology transition across city devices.
Laura said she met with Andy Althoff from the Chamber about office space and local economic-development activities earlier in the meeting. Separately, staff reported that the channel's TriCaster had been replaced and is now working, but that several other pieces of equipment were reaching the end of their useful life. "There's other pieces of equipment, and they're all kinda needing that, end of their useful life," staff said.
Staff also raised concerns about the funding model for the channel: "the funding for that comes from franchise fees, which is percentage of gross revenue for the for cable services," and as cable subscriptions decline there is less revenue to support the channel. Staff noted that the issue is being discussed at the state level and that future franchise agreements might consider extending fees or charges to internet services to sustain public-access operations.
City staff additionally told the council the administration is moving the city's e-mail system to Microsoft 365 and that council members should drop off devices at city hall next week for account conversion and credential updates. The fair ordinance committee was noted to meet next week. No formal votes were recorded on franchise policy or equipment purchases during the meeting.
