Reduction of cable TV debt on priority list

Economic development and personnel policy revisions also discussed

Thursday, Feb. 15, 2007

By Marcie Young
Charlotte Observer Staff Writer

Cable television, economic development and revising personnel policies top the Morganton City Council's list of priorities for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins July 1.

Upgrading the city-owned cable television system to digital in 2004 was a critical competitive move, Mayor Mel Cohen said. But the city is still paying back the $7.3 million it borrowed for the improvements.

"We've got to come up with some progressive measures to alleviate that problem," Cohen said.

At the council's recent annual retreat, members discussed ways to increase cable revenue, including the development of a better marketing plan for premium channels such as HBO and Cinemax.

Council members also discussed the expansion of Catawba Meadows Park, a recreational complex about 1 1/2 miles from downtown Morganton.

The project, Cohen said, is key to increasing tourism in the county and will draw visitors interested in the planned mountain biking trails, hiking paths and kayak launch.

"It's part of our economic development (plan) to bring people to our community, to sleep in our hotels and eat in our restaurants," he said. Cohen said he hopes to see Catawba Meadows completed within eight years.

Council member Larry Whisnant said Tuesday that he hopes Burke County, which will also benefit from increased tourism, will help pay for the $9.8 million complex.

"We're certainly not going to raise taxes to get there," Whisnant said.

Other top priorities included revising the city's personnel and nepotism policies, working on capital improvement projects, expanding the city's geographical information system and reviewing the annexation policy.


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