As the fate of Howard government television programming remains unclear, the County Council wants to make sure their meetings still reach the airwaves.
In a memo to County Executive Ken Ulman this week, council members outlined the services they expect to be delivered when the county?s GTV station closes in favor of airing government programming on Howard Community College?s station.
“We just want to make sure there is no misunderstanding,” said Council Chairwoman Courtney Watson, D-District 1.
Howard officials plan to meet with HCC this week to work out the details of the deal, said county spokesman Kevin Enright.
The GTV station will close in July, and programming will be provided through HCC?s station, Ulman announced last month. The consolidation is expected to save $500,000 a year.
Council members want to ensure legislative sessions and budget hearings will still be broadcast.
The council also wants to begin televising work sessions, which had been discussed before Ulman announced the consolidation, and asked Ulman to include sufficient funds for HCC to cover them.
Along with the required services, the council listed several additional requested services, including televising Planning Board meetings and select Zoning Board cases.
“As this is a matter of utmost importance to the council, I hope through collaboration we can retain the high level of service that currently exists,” Watson wrote in the memo.
Enright said the level of County Council coverage will be the same, but added Ulman consolidated the stations to save money, and the services requested “will cut into the cost savings we are trying to achieve in this consolidation.”
The additional responsibilities could include hiring new staff or buying equipment, said HCC spokesman Randy Bengfort.
The station has five full-time employees, he said.
“HCC is eager to work with the county and supports its efforts to streamline operations,” Bengfort said.
