The committee’s primary focus was on the funding for PEG (Public, Educational, and Governmental) access channels, which are essential for local transparency and community engagement. It was revealed that the number of cable subscribers in Marlborough has dropped drastically from 13,833 in 2015 to just 7,179 in 2023—a 48% decline. This decrease raises concerns about the stability of funding, which relies heavily on subscriber fees. A representative provided historical context, noting that cable services in Marlborough were established in 1982, with companies like Comcast and Verizon providing necessary funding through negotiated contracts. These contracts mandate a contribution of 4.825% of gross revenue to support PEG access, along with additional capital grants.

During the discussion, a council member highlighted the potential impact of the subscriber decline on the fee structure. While fees per user have remained relatively stable, the decline in subscribers threatens the overall funding pool. This prompted Councilor Orm to advocate for a legislative solution to modernize funding for community media, potentially by imposing fees on streaming services—a measure that had previously failed but is gaining traction.

Mayor Dumis introduced a transfer request of $626,224 to reallocate funds from PEG resources to the municipal cable trust for fiscal year 2026. This request was accompanied by a letter from WMCTV Executive Director Ryan Malar Milear, detailing the planned use of funds to upgrade technology, specifically broadcast equipment in the city council chamber and the school committee room. The upgrades aim to improve audio quality and coverage capabilities, addressing challenges posed by outdated equipment. The capital budget for these upgrades is notably larger than in previous years.

The committee engaged in a discussion about the evolving media landscape and the need to adapt funding and operational strategies to ensure the viability of local access channels. Councilor Orm expressed concerns about the future of PEG funding in light of the shift to streaming services, emphasizing the importance of community media for historical archiving and government transparency.

In parallel, the committee addressed proposed amendments to the municipal aggregation order. City Council President Aing submitted a communication recommending changes to adjust the city’s approach to procuring electric rates. Instead, the focus would shift to securing rates lower than National Grid’s without the need for annual comparison. This change aims to stabilize rates and provide predictability for residents amidst fluctuating electricity prices.

The committee examined the performance of Marlborough’s electric rates, which have historically been lower than National Grid’s due to successful long-term contract negotiations. For instance, Marlborough’s current contract offers a fixed rate of 14.15 cents per kilowatt-hour, which is favorable compared to National Grid’s projected 18 cents for the upcoming winter. The committee underscored the importance of maintaining competitive rates and ensuring the municipal aggregation program reflects best practices.

Discussions also touched on the lack of a municipal gas aggregation program, restricted by legislative barriers, which limits residents’ options for securing better natural gas rates. Despite these challenges, the committee noted the positive impact of the electric aggregation program, which provides stability and predictability for residents’ electric bills.

Ultimately, the committee approved the amendments to the municipal aggregation order, with a vote of 5-0, highlighting the measure as primarily a wording change to align with best practices. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, successfully wrapping up the session.