Ancram board approves Spectrum franchise agreement

The Town of Ancram board approved a franchise agreement with Spectrum that authorizes the company to operate cable service in town and remit franchise payments.

Supervisor McCarthy opened and closed a required public hearing on the agreement after no members of the public offered comment, then moved to pass the resolution authorizing the franchise. "We have to do this every year," the supervisor said, describing the renewal as a routine way to ensure the town receives franchise funds. A voice vote carried the resolution.

Board members noted that options are limited and that other providers have not stepped forward; the supervisor said the town budgeted about $12,000 for the franchise payment. Copies of the 12‑page agreement were made available for residents to review.

The board recorded the motion and carried it by voice vote; the clerk placed spare copies of the agreement on the table for residents to review.