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Franklin County renews 10-year franchise with Volunteer Wireless (BLTV); commission to collect 5% franchise fee
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Summary
The commission approved a 10-year franchise agreement with Volunteer Wireless LLC (d/b/a BLTV). The agreement names a 5% franchise fee on gross annual receipts payable to the county and establishes franchise terms and reporting.
Franklin County commissioners approved a 10-year franchise agreement with Volunteer Wireless LLC, d/b/a BLTV, on Oct. 16, 2017. The county resolution and franchise agreement included terms such as a 5% franchise fee on gross annual receipts payable quarterly, public-access provisions for PEG channels and a requirement for a formal franchise acceptance to be filed with the county clerk.
Commissioner Barbara Finney moved to approve the franchise agreement and Commissioner Angie Fuller seconded. The motion passed by voice vote, 15–0. The adopted franchise document is part of the official packet and specifies standard conditions for cable system operation, the county’s right to non-exclusive occupancy of streets and requirements for county inspection, insurance, and compliance with federal and state regulations.
The franchise agreement provides for nonexclusive use of county rights-of-way, routine supervision and inspection by county staff, and a public access channel allocation. The county will receive quarterly payments equal to 5 percent of the operator’s gross annual receipts; payment details and administrative responsibilities are spelled out in the agreement.