Agenda - 12-13-2005-5j - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: December 13, 2005 Action Age 5 a Item No. ~_ SUBJECT: Letter to Congressional Committees on Cable Franchising Legislation DEPARTMENT: County Manager PUBLIG HEARING: (Y/N) No ATTACHMENT(S): Draft Letter INFORMATION CONTACT: Bob Sepe, Action Audits, LLC (919) 467-5392 Gwen Harvey, Assistant County Manager, 245-2300 PURPOSE: To consider approval of draft letter to be forwarded to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, urging oppositicn to proposed legislation that would weaken local authority to regulate cable franchising. BACKGROUND: Congress has been wrestling far same time with various proposals being promoted by the Federal Communications Commission and/or the telecommunications and cable industry, in the name of "competition and consumer choice", that are causing great concern among local governments. These proposals, if enacted, could severely limit local regulatory authority and cause the loss of significant general fund revenue Triangle J Council of Government (TJCOG) staff and Bob Sepe, Action Audits, have met with North Carolina League of Municipalities' and North Carolina Association of County Commissioners' staff to develop joint efforts tc educate Congressional leadership and discourage unfavorable legislation. Attached is a draft letter to the appropriate committees of Congress prepared by Action Audits. TJCOG is asking its member governments to approve and forward a letter quickly since the committees are anticipated to take up discussion in early December. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with undertaking this action. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board review the draft letter, make any modifications desired, and authorize the Chair to sign.