[ back ]
Burton seeks reduced price for GTV contract
(by Joseph Koziol Jr. - February 15, 2012)
Burton seeks reduced price for GTV contract
By JOSEPH KOZIOL JR.
Burton Village Council agreed Monday to attempt to negotiate a new contract for local access cable programming.
Council decided to the invite a representative of Geauga Television to a meeting in an attempt to continue receiving the service at a lower cost. Council made the decision after conducting an informal survey of residents on the matter over the past month.
Although the village has paid the entire amount collected in cable franchise fees to GTC each year, Mayor Nicholas Fischbach said there may be an opportunity to reduce that payment.
Last year, the village paid $14,423 for the service, according to village Fiscal Officer Christopher Paquette.
"We can change that," Mr. Fischbach said. "The ball is in our court."
Council members said they received a scattering of responses in approaching residents for their opinions.
Jennell Dahlhausen, village deputy administrative assistant, said village offices received only one response, a positive one for the local programming.
Councilman Charles Hauser said he received three responses, all positive, from residents he approached. As a senior citizen, he said, he appreciates being able to view local programming every day.
Councilwoman Dianne Lillibridge said she received two negative responses and personally does not favor keeping the service. "I turn it on, and I get a traffic light in Chardon," she said.
Councilman Craig Ronyak said people he spoke to, mostly senior citizens, responded positively. "I heard seniors say it is the only way they can see some of their grandkids' games," he said.
Police Chief Richard Smigelski said he believes the service is worthwhile, noting that the village's Safety Town is broadcast by GTC. He said many seniors in village do not have Internet service and probably rely on the television programming.
Resident Jack Garner said he does not favor keeping the service, and he disagrees with the village being required to pay the entire franchise fee collected.
Mr. Fischbach said the village, at this time, does not have a contract with GTV and could negotiate for a reduced payment. "It's a good time to negotiate a better rate," he said.
He said the negotiation is appropriate, because the majority of those responding to the informal survey viewed the services positively. "It seems the majority do enjoy it," he said. "We're in a great position to negotiate."
Mr. Paquette said the village has had two-year contracts for the service, which was last renewed in 2011. He said it contains a clause which automatically renews the contract if both parties agree. Another clause allows the village to void the contract on agreement of both parties.
The village receives 5 percent franchise fees on the costs paid cable subscribers, he said.
[ back ]
