Cablevision Contract Approved in Hopatcong

The Hopatcong Borough Council approved a 10-year cable television franchise contract with Cablevision of Morris LLC on Wednesday night.

Under the contract, which is with the current provider, Cablevision will pay the borough two percent of gross revenues, or roughly $54,000 a year, for the life of the contract, Borough Administrator Robert Elia said.

Resident Michele Guttenberger questioned the length of the contract at 10-years. She thought a 5-year contract might be suitable.

Mayor Sylvia Petillo said the borough was comfortable with a 10-year contract. Cablevision was the only company that expressed an interest in serving Hopatcong, she said.

The company provides free cable service to Borough Hall and all of the schools, and offers seniors a 10 percent rate discount, she added.

Petillo said Verizon was contacted and said they were not interested in bidding on the contract.

Councilman Richard Bunce said that Fios service from Verizon is available through a telephone line and residents can choose to use satellite television.

If the borough did not give Cablevision the franchise, they would still have customers in Hopatcong, and the borough would not collect the franchise fee, Bunce said.