2012-07-25 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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o The building repair fund is to cover major costs related to the building such as windows, roof, furnace, AC replacement and painting, carpet replacement etc. o The bond reserve is an amount required by our bond resolution, intended to be the final payment of the bond. o The franchise renewal fund is a new reserve fund for the NMTC's upcoming franchise renewal process. Franchise renewal can be very expensive, costing approximately $200,000 across a three year period. These costs include needs assessments, consulting, and legal fees. Budget • The recommended operating budget for the organization totals $1,066,443. This number represents a $11,396 (1.08 %) increase over last year's operating budget. The increase is due to salary and benefit increases. There is no increase to any other part of the operating budget. • Budgeted equipment purchases for 2013 are higher than the previous three years. It is important that several systems be upgraded. The major purchases include switching/routing equipment, studio pedestal tripods, field camera equipment, a Tricaster switching/editing system, and encoder, and lighting control replacements for the studio. All equipment purchases will maintain the integrity and safety of our current equipment systems, while moving us toward our goal of a tapeless and HD environment. The capital budget also includes routine computer /software upgrades, a new fleet vehicle, and the building bond payment of $182,493. The capital equipment budget totals $446,493. Much of the equipment and the vehicle will be paid for by drawing upon reserves. • Franchise fees paid to the cities are budgeted at $285,000. This is the same as last year's franchise fee payment. Closing Points • We have created a thriving and dynamic service for our cities, schools, producers, and viewers. Through program playback and channel management, internet streaming of city meetings, computer and network consulting, video equipment consulting, and video production services, our cities are seeing real benefits from their investment of franchise fees and PEG fees. Our cable subscribers are benefiting from this investment with educational opportunities, and varied, informative and interesting programming regarding their communities. • We will do the best we can, with what we have, to continue to provide these valuable services through difficult financial times. • It is recommended that the PEG fee be increased by the allowable amount of ten cents, to $3.16. PEG fee increases are tied to the previous year's consumer price index average, which was 3.2 %. 25