The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

Local news

Discussion

April 27, 2010

PEGASYS seeks high definition upgrade

By Robert Barron, Staff Writer Enid News and Eagle

ENID — PEGASYS board members Tuesday talked about their shrinking savings, which are being used for operational costs.

They also said they hoped to receive assistance from the city of Enid to upgrade their equipment to high definition.

Executive Director Wendy Quarles said she may ask Enid City Commission to increase the public-access television station’s $185,000 budget this year. PEGASYS is depleting its savings for operational expenses. Those savings originally were intended to fund the high definition upgrade, but the city cut the station’s budget, forcing PEGASYS to use its savings to make ends meet.

Ward 1 City Commissioner Jim Crabbs said he will support PEGASYS.

“I think Enid is lucky to have them,” he said. “If we’re going to do anything now is the time, when they sign the contract with Suddenlink.”

City officials currently are negotiating a new franchise agreement with Suddenlink.

Ward 4 City Commissioner Drew Ritchie said he did not know the price tag for upgrading PEGASYS to high definition. He said there is a lot of community support for PEGASYS and he would be in favor of it.

“We’re sitting pretty for a city our size, but we do have concerns. My thoughts are how to pay for it,” he said.

Ritchie suggested a partnership between the city and PEGASYS similar to Community Development Block Grant funding, but admitted he is still new to the process.

“My thoughts are if there is a way to do it, I’m all for it,” he said. “But if funds are down and it’s difficult to increase money over and above what we did last year ... the vehicle this year can’t be the general fund.”

Ward 2 City Commissioner Don Rose said there is a set funding amount for PEGASYS, but the commission can choose to increase that amount.

“High definition is a pretty good chunk of money,” he said. “It will be a commission decision to make. I want to finalize negotiations with Suddenlink to see if they can help with that.”

City Attorney Andrea Chism said consideration of options for Suddenlink are on the city commission agenda for May 4. Those options are limited, she said, but Suddenlink already has agreed to all federal requirements, which include paying a franchise fee. Suddenlink also tentatively has agreed to pay the rent for PEGASYS, she said. Local attorney Bryce Kennedy is negotiating with the cable television company on behalf of the city. Kennedy negotiated the city’s first cable franchise when he served as city attorney.







 

Text Only
Local news