Commission approves AT&T Michigan franchise renewal; staff secures 1% PEG fee

The Mount Clemens City Commission voted to renew a uniform video service local franchise agreement with AT&T Michigan, approving the form recommended by the city’s cable attorney.

Administration read the agreement into the record and said it had been reviewed by the city’s cable attorney and was in recommended form. Commissioner Manser asked for historical information on franchise-fee payments to understand how much the city has collected under previous agreements. A staff representative said franchise fees are set by state law and municipal negotiation is limited but added that the city secured a negotiated 1% PEG (public, education and government) fee in the current agreement.

"The fees are set by state law," the staff member said. "But I would point out that he did get them ... to agree to 1% under PEG fees." The commission approved the agreement by roll call.

Why it matters: franchise agreements govern local cable/video services and public-access funding; the added PEG fee will fund local or educational media access resources. Commissioners asked staff to provide past payment totals so the commission can better assess revenue impact in future budget planning.

The commission approved the motion by roll call.