VENTURA : Council OKs Rules to Regulate Cable Rates

Ventura city leaders have adopted a set of rules that will allow officials to regulate cable television rates later, if they wish.

The action Monday night allows the city to receive federal certification as a body capable of regulating local cable rates for basic-tier service.

The federal guidelines stipulate both consumer and cable company rights should the city decide to step in and regulate basic cable rates.

However, a majority of the council members said they have reservations about actually becoming the regulatory agency for basic cable rates. Some who were opposed to regulation said they voted in favor of adopting the guidelines to keep their options open in the future.

Mayor Tom Buford voted against the measure, and council members Jack Tingstrom, Gregory L. Carson and Rosa Lee Measures said they are not willing to spend city funds on the regulation. Councilman Gary Tuttle said he is still in favor of regulating but has serious reservations about the cost and may later drop the idea.

Councilmen Steve Bennett and Jim Monahan are the strongest proponents for regulation.

“When the marketplace is restricted from functioning, we need the government as a regulator,” Bennett said.

City officials estimate that 60% to 65% of Ventura’s 35,546 households subscribe to one of the two cable companies that receive a franchise from the city.