Red Bay agrees to transfer cable franchise

By Staff
Melissa Cason
Franklin County Times
RED BAY – The Red Bay City Council voted to accept the buyout of the city's cable franchise from Vista III Media to Metro Cast Communications during the regular council meeting Monday night.
Representatives from both Vista III Media and Metro Cast Communications were present to answer any questions from the council prior to the vote. The main topic of discussion was senior citizen discounts.
Council members were assured that there will continue to be a limited basic package available to customers, and that no rate increases are planned at this point.
The council voted to allow the franchise transfer to Metro Cast Communications once the acquisition is acquired.
"Vista III Media will still be responsible for obligations to the city until the acquisition is complete," Mayor Jeff Reid said.
He added that Vista will continue to be responsible for transactions made with the city prior to the acquisition, even after Metro Cast takes over.
"The city gets five percent of gross services from the cable company," Reid said.
In other business, the council voted to:
Reid and the rest of the council congratulated the 4-H Trail Blazers for being awarded the grand prize in the float competition.
Community Center Baptist Church was named first-runner up and Citizen's Bank was second runner up.
The next Red Bay City Council meeting will be held Monday, Dec. 17, 2007 at 7 p.m. at the city hall.