Jackson Municipal Code Div. VIII Rates

The grantee may make such charges for services provided to subscribers as are permitted by the franchise agreement or by subsequent approval of the grantor. The grantee shall receive no remuneration whatsoever from its subscribers for or in connection with any service provided to subscribers without approval of the grantor. New services are encouraged, and reasonable charges for such new services shall not be unreasonable, limited or denied by grantor.

(Ord. 483 §1, 1984)

The initial schedule of rates to be utilized by the grantee shall be those in the grantee's franchise, and shall be firm for a period of at least one year after commencement of service within the city. The schedule of rates shall include installation and monthly charges for providing all basic services in conformity with state or federal regulations. No additional charge shall be made for the provision of any converter without prior approval of the grantor. All rates shall be published, and be uniform to all persons and organizations of like classes, under similar circumstances and conditions.

Nothing in this provision shall be construed to prohibit the reduction or waiving of charges in conjunction with promotional campaigns for the purpose of attracting subscribers, nor the granting of reduced rates to nonprofit institutions, or for special medical or aging categories nor shall this provision be interpreted to prohibit the establishment of a graduated scale of charges and rate schedules which vary with volume of usage, to which any subscriber or programmer included within a particular classification shall be entitled.

(Ord. 483 §1, 1984)

Basic service rates and charges may be increased, upon approval of the city council in accordance with the provisions of this section.

A. Upon any application by the grantee for a rate increase, grantor may require that it be accompanied, and supported by the following information:

1. Copies of audited financial reports and income statements for at least the preceding three fiscal years. If the grantee is a subsidiary of another firm, similar financial data shall be furnished for the parent corporation;

2. An itemization of capital assets, (a profit and loss statement) both tangible and intangible, including purchase dates and costs, the accounting basis for depreciation and the depreciation schedule. If intangible assets such as goodwill are being amortized, the amortization period shall be stated;

3. A detailed breakdown of operating, marketing and general and administrative costs by category for each of the three preceding years;

4. The number of subscribers for basic service and pay TV services for each of the three preceding years;

5. A statement as to any allocation of funds to parent company overhead or operating costs, and the basis for such allocation.

B. Upon receipt of a rate increase request, accompanied by all of the required information of subsection A above, it shall be the obligation of the city council to act upon this request within a period of ninety days from the date upon which all supporting material has been made available in adequate form. Prior to taking action on the request, at least one noticed public hearing shall be held upon the rate request.

The council may approve, partially approve or disapprove any increase of rates for additional services on the basis of its findings related to the application and supporting data received.

C. In the event a rate increase is granted as requested, the grantee shall refrain from applying for further increases for a period of twelve months from the date of the prior filing. If the rate request is denied, or a lesser increase than requested is approved, the grantee shall refrain from applying for further increases for a period of nine months from the date of the prior filing.

(Ord. 483 §1, 1984)

The grantee may require subscribers to pay for each month of service in advance each month, or for special equipment or additional services in accordance with its customer service contract approved by the grantor. Nothing in this provision shall be construed to prohibit charges for initial installation and reconnection.

(Ord. 483 §1, 1984)

Except as otherwise provided in the franchise agreement, the grantee may make a charge to subscribers for the installation of service outlets and for the reconnection of service outlets. The rates for such connection or reconnection shall be authorized by the grantor as provided in the franchise proposal and agreement. The grantee may waive all or a portion of such charges for connection or reconnection, as provided in Section 5.24.450.

(Ord. 483 §1, 1984)

There shall be no charge for disconnection of service. If any subscriber fails to pay a properly due monthly subscriber fee, or any other properly due fee or charge, the grantee may disconnect the subscriber's service outlet. Such disconnection policies and procedures shall be stated in the approved cable contract customer form.

(Ord. 483 §1, 1984)

A. If the grantee fails to provide any service requested by a subscriber or programmer, the grantee shall, after adequate notification and being afforded the opportunity to provide the service, promptly refund all deposits or advance charges paid for the service in question by said subscriber or programmer.

B. If any subscriber terminates any monthly service during the first twelve months of said service because of the failure of the grantee to render the service in accordance with the standards set forth in this permit, the grantee shall make an appropriate refund to such subscriber, in accordance with the policies stated in the approved customer contract.

(Ord. 483 §1, 1984)