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2016 North Metro Telecommunications Commlssior�, <br />Budget <br />Talking Points <br />a With the availability of two HD channels thro-ugh Comcast, and with the <br />possibility of all access channels being HD with a CenturyLink franchise, <br />upgrading NMTV's progmmming capabilities to HD is a primary goal. <br />P To work toward and administer a competitive cable franchise for the North Metro. <br />To continue developing web friendly programming for local, HD, and video -on - <br />demand that can be viewed using any device. <br />To balance the integrity of the production equipment and the productivity of staff <br />and the public, with the financial needs of the Cities. <br />Continue to provide program playback and channel management services, <br />computer and video equipment maintenance and consulting seMces, internet <br />streaming services for city meetings including meeting management software <br />licenses, program production and event coverage services, and public access to <br />television production for our cities, schools and general public. <br />The beginning fimd balances for 2016 are estimates based on previous allocations, <br />planned spending for 2015, and estimated income. <br />Estimated revenues include: Franchise fees based on the actual first quarter <br />franchise fee payment. PEG fees are based on the actual first quarter PEG fee <br />payment. Because of a franchise fee review settlement with Comcast, PEG <br />funding through 2020 is no longer threatened by recent FCC orders. Other <br />income includes dub fees, sponsorship spots, and production services. Interest <br />income is estimated based on the first quarter interest earnings of this year. <br />Estimated expenditures include the operating expenses, capital expenses, and the <br />franchise fee payment to the cities. Franchise fees back to cities are budgeted at <br />$320,000. This is the same as last year. <br />The year end fund balances include: <br />• The Operating reserve at 25% of the operating budget. <br />• Accrued vacation, sick and comp time. The total value of owed <br />vacation, sick, and comp time to employees. <br />• The Capital equipment fund has traditionally been used as a savings <br />account for major equipment system upgrades. However, the cost to <br />upgrade all of our is equipment systems to HD will need to be <br />accomplished at one time, could cost between 1.5 and 2.5 million dollars, <br />and will require bonding. As such, the capital equipment fimd has been <br />