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Board adopts five‑year Verizon franchise ordinance, including 5% franchise fee and audit rights
Summary
The Caln Township Board voted 5–0 to adopt Ordinance 2026‑07 authorizing a five‑year franchise agreement with Verizon Pennsylvania LLC; the solicitor summarized a 5% franchise fee, expanded gross‑revenue definition and municipal audit and reporting provisions.
Township solicitor Kristen summarized the principal provisions of a negotiated five‑year franchise agreement with Verizon, including a 5% franchise fee on cable operator gross revenues and the municipality’s right to audit operator records with a 45‑day response requirement. "You are entitled to collect a franchise fee of 5% of the cable operator's gross revenues," Kristen told the board, and she noted the agreement expands the definition of gross revenue to include 27 enumerated revenue sources and requires line‑item quarterly reporting.
The solicitor also described customer‑service standards, liquidated‑damage remedies for violations, and a provision requiring Verizon to provide free cable service to municipal facilities, schools and public libraries upon request. The board moved to adopt Ordinance 2026‑07 authorizing the franchise agreement and approved the ordinance on a voice vote, motion carried 5–0.
