Highland City Council approves for Windows on Broadway, fee hikes for HCS movie channels

The Highland City Council on Monday approved a business redevelopment agreement with the new Windows on Broadway antique shop and also raised prices on some premium movie channels offered by Highland Communication Services (HCS).

The agreements OKed with Windows on Broadway and the Cyril Korte Trust are not to exceed $80,000 in total incentives. Under the agreement, the city waived permit and tap-on fees in the amount of $5,714. The city also will reimburse the business 75 percent of the city’s 1 percent incremental sales tax for a period up to 10 years, or until the maximum funding amount is reached in combination with the other funding assistance.

The council also agreed to a new $2 per month “Local Access Channel Fee” for HCS customers. In a memo to the City Council, City Manager Mark Latham said the fee was being passed along to customers after it was imposed on HCS when new three-year contracts were signed with content providers. City staff did not recommend passing on the entire $5.25 fee to HCS customers. However, Latham said in the memo staff would reevaluate charges again next year.

The cost of movie channels will also be going up for HCS customers. The council set the monthly rates for HBO at $18, Cinemax at $15 and Showtime at $15. Stars/Encore channel will remain $12 per month.

However, an $11 “technology fee” will be removed from HCS billing.

The rate changes will take effect in October.

Also on Monday, the council approved Mayor Joe Michaelis’ reappointments of LeeAnn Landmann, Sharon Rinderer and Joyce Zerban to the Library Board of Trustees. Each was given another three-year term.

This story was originally published July 23, 2015 at 5:03 AM with the headline "Highland City Council approves for Windows on Broadway, fee hikes for HCS movie channels."