Discussion took place this morning at the Hernando Board of Commissioners meeting about some pending items in Florida Legislature this year. The commissioners were preparing to present a united front for our county tomorrow in Tallahassee with our state legislators on their "Tallyho to Tallahassee" trip. Nancy Robinson discussed the possibility of Hernando County losing the ability to oversee cable television in our county, citing the loss of funds created by cable franchise fees and what impact it would have on the county. Robert Schenck made some vary valid points, stating the loss of franchise agreements for the county would open the markets to free enterprise, and competition in the cable industry which would benefit the citizens of this county. Its unfortunate that Mr. Schenck points were not heard clearly by the other commissioners who were more concerned with the loss of funds into the county coffers and their inability to oversee the cable industry with the pending state legislation. Although the franchise fee is not itemized on the local Brighthouse Cable bill, the local option communications tax is approximately $2.57 a month which equates to $30.84 a year (this doesn't include state and federal fees and taxes). The current franchise agreement with Hernando County and Brighthouse provides access for the government channels. Keep in mind that not everyone in the county has the ability to receive Brighthouse Cable, and the government access channels, but everyone pays to fund it through the county's General Fund. On another point, Jean Raggs explained to the commissioners about the possible loss of $0.50 a month per cell phone in the county with pending state legislation. Mrs. Raggs stated emphatically that this was not a tax on cell phone but was a fee for services. Something was forgotten in this county commission discussion this morning which is, what is best for those who live in Hernando County. And can the commissioners better decide how to spent our money or are we capable to make those decisions for ourselves?
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It is unlikely that any state legislation will affect the Bright House franchise, which runs until 2012. A franchise agreement is a contract. One of the constitutional checks on our Legislature is that no law may impair existing contracts. It should be noted that without the franchise agreement cable customers would lose video access to commission meetings. Almost every piece of equipment in Government Broadcasting was paid for by Bright House under the franchise agreement. They also paid for otherwise very expensive computer connections to remote county offices. Finally the franchise contract is non-exclusive, meaning there is nothing in the agreement that prevents any other company from providing competing service.
Trying not to be redundant, not everyone in the county receives access to government channels which are exclusively on Brighthouse but many expenses for Hernando County Government Broadcasting come out of the General Fund which we all pay.
I move back to this area 2 years ago and find it absured that I have so few choices on cable and telephone as well as internet services as I did in the middle of nowheresville Pennsylvania. My family and I are considering moving back up there due to the outrageous costs of the few amenities that we can afford. Most people consider having cable a necessity, but to those of us without options it's just another reason to not like living here. I will be quite blunt in saying that I had Verizon telephone, wireless, and dsl and my bills combine were never over $100. This may be rediculous or petty to those of you who live in $250,000 or more expensive homes and have comfy jobs, but to the majority of people who LIVE and WORK in Hernando County we feel we are being cheated.
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