Town considers capital purchases as PEG revenue falls and equipment costs rise

Town media representatives told Townsend’s Commission on Disability that local PEG access funding, which depends on cable subscribership and contract arrangements, does not cover all the equipment and staffing the town will need to meet upcoming accessibility and streaming requirements.

One access representative said PEG payments come in quarterly (stated in the meeting as about $6,000 per quarter) and that current contracted services cost the town roughly $30 per hour for technicians. Panelists noted that TPAM/PEG subscribership has declined sharply in recent years, reducing revenue. Commission members raised capital planning concerns: if the town must own and operate its own video mixing and streaming systems, that will require budget authority and possible capital allocations.

Members discussed short‑term options such as portable devices and longer‑term capital purchases to reduce contractor dependency. They also discussed applying for grants and collaborating with neighboring towns and schools to avoid duplicative purchases.