Vote yes on cable revolving fund article

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

To the Editor:

Years ago selectmen imposed a 3 percent franchise fee on cable subscribers. These fees have since been deposited into the general fund, where they have been used for general expenses of the town, resulting in cable subscribers paying proportionally more in general fund taxation than non-subscribers.

Since only cable subscribers pay these fees, it is reasonable and fair that these fees be dedicated to the Cable Access Revolving Fund specifically created by voters in 2009 for the purpose of funding the Public, Educational and Governmental (PEG) cable access program. Since only cable subscribers benefit from this program, only cable subscribers would financially support it.

While $114,000 in franchise fees was collected in 2009, the amount to be collected in 2010 and 2011 remains unknown. The PEG access budget for 2010 is about $90,000. The Board of Selectmen purposely set the dedication of these fees to commence Jan. 1, 2011, so that town staff has a year to make the minor financial adjustments necessary to avoid general fund hardship in 2011.

Selectmen could retract the 3 percent franchise fee and tax everyone for the PEG access costs, but Article 28 proposes a fairer way for everyone. Please vote yes.

GARY DANIELS

Milford