As one of only two Georgia municipalities that still charges a 4 percent franchise fee to cable television providers, Peachtree City voted 5-0 on May 17 to increase the rate to 5 percent as of Oct. 1.

The change is expected to generate an additional $124,000 in revenue per year. The fee, to compensate for the utility’s use of the public right-of-way, is paid to the city quarterly based on the gross revenues the cable company received in the previous quarter. The City Council first discussed the change on May 3, noting that revenues from cable franchise fees are declining as more customers switch to broadband services. Five percent is the maximum franchise fee permitted by law.

The city must now submit the ordinance change to the Georgia Secretary of State.

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com