Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Media topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Hudsonville ends WCT public access channel; city to recapture franchise funds for general use
Summary
The commission approved Resolution 26‑1831 to terminate the WCT cable access arrangement, freeing roughly $30,000 in annual franchise fees to remain in the city's general fund; remaining PEG funds (~$3,000) are restricted and staff will coordinate equipment disposition with local schools.
The Hudsonville City Commission unanimously approved Resolution No. 26‑1831 to formally terminate the city’s arrangement with the local public access channel known in the meeting as WCT.
Staff explained that PEG (public, educational and governmental) fees collected by the city are restricted and currently total about $3,000; those funds can only be used for limited capital items (equipment). Separately, franchise fees that had been distributed to WCT total roughly $30,000 and come into the city’s general fund; with termination the commission will no longer route that amount to WCT and the money will remain available for budget allocation by the commission.
Commissioners and staff discussed short‑ and long‑term options to preserve meeting recordings and public access to city meetings. Staff said some equipment used by WCT is registered in local schools’ names and that schools and the city will coordinate on reuse or redistribution where appropriate. Staff also said they are discussing interim arrangements for contracted camera work and are evaluating software options that could speed posting and timestamping meeting recordings.
The commission voted on the resolution by roll call; the clerk recorded unanimous support. Staff said they will coordinate with the school systems and historic WCT staff to transfer equipment where appropriate and will bring recommendations about how to use repurposed franchise funds in future budget discussions.
