Richmond boosts its WCTV support

Richmond Common Council pledged $250,000 to Whitewater Community Television during 2026.

During its regular Dec. 15 meeting, council passed an amended memorandum of understanding regarding quarterly franchise fees the city receives from Comcast. The resolution originally promised 100% of the franchise fees to WCTV, up to $250,000; however, council member Jerry Purcell proposed the amendment committing the entire $250,000.

“WCTV is such an important asset to our community that we need to support and help them get back on their feet stronger and better,” Purcell said.

The amendment passed 8-1, with Larry Parker dissenting, then the memorandum passed 9-0.

Bill Engle, a WCTV board member, said the change is moot based on WCTV’s projections.

“From their calculations, we’ll get well over $250,000 next year in franchise fees,” Engle said.

The city received $368,125.24 in 2024 franchise fees, and after the first quarter this year, was on pace to receive about $345,000 in franchise fees. During its June 2 meeting, council increased its contributions to WCTV from 40% of franchise fees to 65%, which would result in about a $225,000 contribution to WCTV this year.

The percentage change came after Indiana University East terminated its contract with WCTV, which has three access channels. Beginning June 1, employees were placed under the WCTV umbrella rather than working for IU East. With a change to state law that took effect July 1, WCTV livestreams and stores meeting video for multiple governmental entities. Wayne County, for example, has approved a $60,000 contract with WCTV for its 2026 meeting coverage.

Scott Bevington, the WCTV board vice president, told council WCTV provides quality programming and educational opportunities. He showed a video of former WCTV interns and part-time workers who pursued related fields.

“It also gives the people of this community a direct view into the inner workings of their local government, which is important, but it also has provided some young people in our community the ability to establish a strong foundation for the careers that they’ve chosen,” Bevington said.

Richmond’s resolution requires WCTV to provide council with a business plan. Council member Justin Burkhardt said WCTV is working on a strategic plan and is aggressively searching for additional revenue streams.

“Possibly, Whitewater Television of old isn’t necessarily what we’re going to see moving forward, but adapting to the times and just reinventing themselves,” Burkhardt said.

During its Dec. 18 meeting, the city’s Board of Public Works and Safety approved a resolution with WCTV for the $250,000.

Fund transfers

Council also approved a pair of budget transfers.

Roseview Transit requested $40,000 transfer from unused part-time wages to its professional services line item. The money will pay for a transit study by RLS & Associates of Dayton, Ohio, that will result in a comprehensive transportation plan. The study will include data collection, site visits, route analysis and community engagement.

After council approved the transfer, the Board of Public Works and Safety, during its meeting, approved the city’s contract with RLS for $40,000.

Council also approved a $10,000 transfer to cover a shortfall paying the city’s property and liability insurance premiums.

Finance committee

Council member Anne Taylor asked Burkhardt, who chairs council’s finance committee, how invitations are extended for city departments to speak with the finance committee. She said two departments have never been invited to appear regarding their items under consideration.

Burkhardt said the committee agenda is set by Tracy McGinnis, the city controller, who extends invitations to attend. 

“I don’t know what you’re implying, but anybody’s welcome any time,” Burkhardt said, later adding, “This seems like a slandering situation, and I won’t be a part of that.”

Taylor responded: “No, not at all.” She requested clarification from the city’s law department about how invitations are extended.