HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES-2006-034 Opposing Legislation at the Federal or State Level to Strip Local Governments’ Cable Franchise AuthorityORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Resolution Opposing
Legislation at the Federal or State Level to Strip
Local Governments' Cable Franchise Authority
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WHEREAS, County and Municipal governments have the ability to grant cable
franchises, and to require that franchises address the community's cable-related
needs, as generally governed by the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996;
and
WHEREAS, it is only through County and municipal cable franchising that true
competition without discrimination can be achieved; public, education, and
government access can be preserved; cable consumers adequately protected;
franchise fees administered uniformly, and the safety of public rights of way
monitored; and
WHEREAS, Orange County stands firmly in favor of competition, covets
increased competition and choice for our residents, and abhors the fact that
special interests are touting legislative changes on the basis that competition and
access have been denied; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee is considering
legislation that threatens these provisions and would unduly strip local
governments' authority to enter into franchising agreements with new video
providers, and possibly terminate existing cable franchising agreements; and
WHEREAS, the N.C. Revenue Laws Study Committee is considering legislation
that would preempt local cable franchising by instituting franchising statewide,
replacing "local franchise tax with state tax and imputed fee", and designating "a
state agency to receive cable complaints and required adequate public,
education, and government channels"; and
WHEREAS, Orange County receives approximately $250,000 in annual fees
through its cable franchise agreement -funds vital to sustaining general and
human services to a growing population -and values its strong tradition of local
control and direct accountability on issues of the public interest;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of
Commissioners is opposed to any legislative proposal at the federal or state level
that would weaken, eliminate, or subvert local authority to regulate cable
franchising, and calls upon the members of the Orange County's legislative
delegation and its delegation to the U.S. Congress to join in vigorous opposition.
This the 18th day of April 2006.
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Orange ounty d o ommissioners