§ 15-54. Subscriber fees and rates.

(a)

The board shall have the authority to regulate rates, equipment and installation of cable services in accordance with state and federal law, rules and regulations. Before any regulatory action, the board will conduct a public hearing to ensure a reasonable opportunity for consideration of the views of interested parties.

(b)

For all rate changes, including those changes for service not regulated by the county:

(1)

A grantee shall file with the clerk of the board written schedules of any proposed rate changes which shall describe all existing rates and all proposed rate changes. Such schedules shall also describe all proposed changes in services to be provided by the grantee and all proposed changes in the terms and conditions relating to such services. In no event shall any proposed rate increases take effect sooner than 30 days after receipt by the clerk of the written schedules.

(2)

Within 30 days after receipt by the clerk of the written schedules, the board may set a public hearing to review any proposed rate increases. The clerk shall notify the grantee of such public meeting.

(3)

At the public hearing, the grantee shall present to the board justification for the rate increase and shall identify all significant factors that prompted an increase in rates and the extent to which those factors are reflected in the actual amount of the increase.

(c)

Except as otherwise permitted under federal law, a grantee shall not, with regard to fees, discriminate or grant any preference or advantage to any person. This section shall not prohibit the lawful establishment by a grantee of reasonable categories of service and separate rates, terms and conditions of service within a franchise area.

(d)

Notwithstanding subsection (c) above, a grantee may, at its own discretion, waive, reduce or suspend connection or monthly service fees for specific or indeterminate periods for promotional purposes.

(Code 1978, § 7-14)

(Code 1978, § 7-14)