An incorrect headline appeared with this story in the March 19 edition of North Country This Week. NCTW regrets the error.

BY ADAM ATKINSON
North Country This Week

CANTON — A franchise agreement with Charter Communications for cable and television services for the town of Canton is being considered by the town board. The current agreement, a ten-year contract, is due to sunset in September.

Town Supervisor Mary Ann Ashley said at the town board meeting March 11 that the new proposed agreement with the company features several changes over the current arrangement with the town.

“There are some substantial changes in the language,” Ashley said. “It’s a pretty significant thing that we really need legal counsel to guide us on.”

The new proposal from Charter Communications is a 15-year agreement instead of the current 10-year contract Ashley said.

The supervisor said the franchise tax, currently at 5 percent, would be determined by the town in the new agreement. She said other municipalities in the county sport varying tax rates.

Town attorney Eric Gustafson said he would reach out to contacts he has in the industry to develop some recommendations on the contract to present to the board for consideration.

Town Councilman Tim Danehy said that before approval, he would like the town to have the results of a broadband survey by the Development Authority of the North Country planned for later this year. The survey is expected to present a clear picture of broadband services available in the town and gaps in service which may exist.