Agenda Text
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Requesting the acceptance of the provisions of MGL c44, s53F3/4, PEG Access and Cable Related Fund.
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Official Text
To the Honorable Board:
I hereby request that this Board accept the provisions of MGL Chapter 44, Section 53F 3/4 , in order to establish a PEG Access and Cable Related Fund.
Chapter 44, Section 53F 3/4, changes the accounting procedures relative to the collection of Cable Operator License fees and the appropriation of said fees for specified purposes. The law provides for a receipts reserved for appropriation special revenue fund. The following revenues received in connection with a municipality’s cable franchise agreement may be credited to the Fund:
a. Cable franchise fees collected by the cable operator for Public, Educational, Governmental Access(PEG) and received by the city or town.
b. Annual license fees paid by the cable operator.
c. Other revenues received in connection with the franchise agreement.
An appropriation is required to spend any monies in the Fund. Appropriations are by a majority vote of the legislative body. Appropriations may be spent to:
1. Support cable PEG access service or programming for city or town residents, whether operated by a city or town department or a contractor.
2. Monitor the cable operator’s compliance with the franchise agreement.
3. Prepare for renewal of the cable franchise license, including any associated expert and legal services.
Timely acceptance of this statute will allow for implementation on July 1, 2017, the start of FY2018.
The Departmental Revolving Fund known as the Cable Telecommunications Fund becomes defunct at the end of FY2017.
My staff will be available to answer any questions you may have. Thank you for your consideration of this item.
Respectfully Submitted,
Joseph A. Curtatone, Mayor