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from: Vindy.com

Council voices opposition to cable measure
By WILLIAM K. ALCORN

VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER

STRUTHERS — City council opposes a proposed state law that would eliminate local control of cable television providers and cost the city in excess of $100,000 a year.

Auditor Tina Morell said that Struthers will realize about $108,000 in 2007 from a cable franchise fee and that it increases slightly each year.

The proposed law, Senate Bill 117, amounts to "plundering and looting" the cable franchising process, added 2nd Ward Councilman Mark Sandine.

In a related matter, council authorized spending up to $1,500 with Local Voice Ohio, a coalition of local communities, to fight the law.

In another money matter, council adopted an ordinance that would terminate efforts to collect delinquent sewer accounts accumulated over many years totaling some $278,000.

Lawmakers took the action on the recommendations of the state auditor, because many of the accounts are old and deemed uncollectable, said Councilman Jerry Shields, chairman of the finance committee.

It is important to note that the ordinance specifies which accounts will not be collected, said Councilman Daniel Yemma.