An effort to eliminate mandatory fees for cable users in Taylor Village in Ellicott City could keep alive a Howard County bill giving residents more choices for cable companies.
“My priority is to free [Taylor Village residents] up and make sure there is competition in that community,” said Council Member Ken Ulman, D-District 4.
Ulman filed an amendment Friday that would release residents of a $65 monthly fee included in the Taylor Village homeowners? agreement for cable service from Ellicott City Cable. Currently, residents must pay the fee whether or not theychoose the service.
The bill, introduced by Council Member Charles Feaga, R-District 5, was intended to promote competition by granting small companies secondary franchise status, which would allow services such as Ellicott City Cable, to access public rights-of-way for installing cables wires and lines.
“It was my desire to actually help the homeowners association have a ?fair choice? and competitive rates for all cable companies,” Feaga said in a statement when he announced plans to request a withdrawal of his bill Monday.
But he said Friday that he had planned to introduce the same amendment Ulman filed. Feaga said he would wait and see if the legislation becomes “something we can live with.”
Ulman and Council Member Calvin Ball, D-District 2, said the council will table the bill until the Oct. 30 legislative session, and spend the next few weeks negotiating with developers and residents.
“If a compromise can be reached with them, then we will move forward with the bill,” Ulman said.
“Otherwise, we will vote it down.”
The bill drew protests from Taylor Village residents, who decried what they called “unfair” charges from Ellicott City Cable which were included in their homeowners agreements without their knowledge.
Several Taylor Village residents spoke out about Ellicott City Cable at the council?s Sept. 18 public hearing.
Bruce Taylor, who testified on behalf of Ellicott City Cable and the Taylor Village developer at the hearing, said he planned to offer residents a chance to opt out of the fee.
smichael@baltimoreexaminer.com
