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Council backs state bills to modernize community media funding; WMCT‑TV transfer referred to Finance
Summary
The council approved a resolution supporting H.91 and S.2556 to modernize funding for community (PEG) media and referred a separate mayoral transfer request of $565,811 for WMCT‑TV operations to the Finance Committee; a $6,200 gift to the police K9 unit was also approved.
The City Council voted 9‑1 on March 9, 2026 to approve a resolution supporting state legislation (House Bill H.91 and Senate Bill S.2556) to modernize funding for community media, responding to declining PEG revenue as cable subscriptions fall. Councilors Vital and Picillo sponsored the resolution and framed it as a way to protect local government broadcasting and community programming as distribution shifts to streaming.
Councilor Robey opposed the resolution, saying some residents no longer subscribe to cable and expressing concern about imposing new fees; Councilor Picillo and others countered that WMCT‑TV provides essential local coverage (including council meetings) and that state action is needed to preserve funding. Supporters noted members of the local delegation had co‑sponsored the bills and urged the council to register municipal support to help advocacy at the State House.
Separately, the mayor submitted a transfer request of $565,811 from PEG funds to the Marlborough Cable Trust to support WMCT‑TV operations for FY2027 and capital items; the council referred that transfer to the Finance Committee (motion carried 10‑0) for further review. The council also approved a $6,200 gift from the Police Patrol and Command Unions to the Police Department to support the K9 unit (vote 10‑0).
The resolution and the referral to Finance mean the council and local stakeholders will monitor state legislative progress and await the Finance Committee's review of the WMCT‑TV transfer request.
