Time Warner has questioned Verizon’s contract with greater Baldwinsville municipalities.
The cable service provider sent a letter to the New York State Public Service Commission May 12, one day before the commission was scheduled to meet, claiming Verizon was given a more favorable contract with the village of Baldwinsville and towns of Lysander and Van Buren.
According to Van Buren Councilor Mary Frances Sabin, issues addressed in Time Warner’s letter included the existence of a local payment office and whether franchise fees can be considered revenue. Time Warner said Verizon’s contract does not specify that the company offers a local payment office as Time Warner’s contract does. However, at the public hearing for all three municipalities, Verizon said they would open a payment center at one of their existing local offices.
Sabin said Verizon submitted a response to the NYSPSC regarding Time Warner’s letter and the commission is reviewing all the documents.
While the NYSPSC was scheduled to review Verizon’s contract at their May meeting, the Time Warner letter caused the commission to hold its ruling and further review Verizon’s contract. Sabin said the NYSPSC will probably rule on the contract next month.
“I anticipate everything will be completed at the June meeting,” Sabin said. “We’re hoping they approve it.”
