Sacramento Metropolitan Cable Television Commission Meeting – September 4, 2026

The Sacramento Metropolitan Cable Television Commission met on September 4, 2026, to address a declining revenue environment and approve the fiscal year 2026-27 final budget. Key actions included appointing an interim executive director, adopting a conflict of interest code update, approving the budget with reduced member agency distributions and channel licensee cuts, setting interim director compensation, and authorizing strategic planning support. The meeting featured public testimony from four member agency finance directors in support of the budget and updates from channel licensees.

Consent Calendar

• Received and filed the other post-employment benefits (OPEB) valuation and GASB 75 report for fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.
• Received and filed the engagement letter for the financial audit of the Commission for fiscal years 2022, 2023, and 2024.
• Both items were approved unanimously without public comment.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Susan Towler (Administrative Services Director, City of Citrus Heights): Spoke in support of the budget recommendation, noting participation in the finance working group and praising fiscal prudence.
• Pete Coletto (Finance Director, City of Sacramento): Supported the budget, stating it strikes a balance in a declining revenue environment and reminding that member distributions support essential services like fire, police, and parks.
• Thomas Grunison (representing City of Folsom): Expressed support, acknowledging shared burden and noting that the revised budget balances the Commission's financial health and member agencies’ needs.
• Layla Manner (Finance Director, City of Galt): Supported the budget, emphasizing the need for balance to minimize impacts on residents and essential services, especially for smaller cities.

Discussion Items

• Closed Session (Items 1-2): The commission entered closed session for public employee appointment and conference with labor negotiators. After reconvening, it was announced that the commission unanimously appointed Chris Sinriggs as interim executive director.
• Conflict of Interest Code Amendment (Item 6): Staff presented updates to the conflict of interest code, including adding a board alternate for Sacramento County District 5, an additional alternate for the City of Sacramento, and removing duplicate legal counsel titles. The resolution was approved unanimously.
• Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget (Item 7): The main agenda item. Chair Speace opened with acknowledgments, thanking staff, the finance working group, the budget ad hoc committee, and channel licensees. He noted a common problem of declining revenues and a common objective of transparent management. He also apologized for delayed communication with licensees. Interim Executive Director Kristen Riggs presented the budget: anticipated franchise fee revenue of $6.4 million (downward trend), total general fund revenue including carry-forward of $13.3 million, and recommended two per capita distributions to member agencies—a retroactive $4.7 million (75% of FY 24-25) and a FY 26-27 distribution of $3.5 million (75% of that retro amount). Channel licensee funding was recommended at 25% less than FY 25-26 levels, totaling $1.2 million, with specific amounts for Access Sacramento ($576,000), KVIE ($228,000), SECC ($357,000), and SAC Life TV ($47,869). The PEG fee fund was unchanged. OPEB pre-funding was reduced to zero. The budget also increased contingency appropriation. After public comment, commissioners discussed OPEB liability, PEG funding future, and thanked staff. The budget was approved unanimously.
• Strategic Planning Ad Hoc Committee: Chair Speace outlined a seven-part charge for the strategic ad hoc committee, including revenue sharing methodology, governance, financial sustainability, and service delivery. He requested a consultant to assist and that channel licensees be substantively involved. The committee will report back by March 4, 2027.
• Interim Executive Director Compensation (Item 8): The commission approved a temporary salary adjustment for Ms. Riggs at 70% of the salary range maximum for the position, expressed on a monthly basis. Passed unanimously.
• Authorization for Strategic Support Services (Item 9): The commission authorized the interim executive director to execute an agreement for strategic support services, with a not-to-exceed amount of $100,000. The motion was amended from no cap to $100,000. Passed with Member Thandu abstaining.
• Channel Licensee Reports (Item 10):
  • David Lowe (KVIE): Reported on local film "Unhoused Neighbors," 16 awards for digital newsroom Abridged, surpassing 70,000 donors, and top 10 PBS viewership.
  • Joe Barr (Access Sacramento): Noted partnership with Sacramento Region Community Foundation, a new show for the Afghan community (in partnership with New York Times philanthropies), and an AI in filmmaking convening. He thanked the commission for collaborative spirit.
  • Aaron Heinrich (SECC): Presented a video showcasing student programs, teacher support, and the annual Student Educational Video Awards.
  • Ron Herman (SAC Life TV): Highlighted their Powerhouse podcast (60 episodes), community spotlight documentaries, and new streaming network (SacramentoLife.tv). He also raised a concern that SAC Life TV’s funding ($47,869) is far below other licensees, requesting equal consideration in future budgets.

Key Outcomes

• Appointment: Chris Sinriggs appointed interim executive director by unanimous vote in closed session.
• Conflict of Interest Code: Resolution adopted unanimously.
• Fiscal Year 2026-27 Final Budget: Approved unanimously, including $8.2 million in total per capita distributions to member agencies ($4.7 million retroactive + $3.5 million), $1.2 million to channel licensees (25% reduction from FY 25-26), and no change to PEG fund projects.
• Interim Director Compensation: Temporary salary adjustment approved unanimously.
• Strategic Support Services Agreement: Authorized with a $100,000 cap, passed with one abstention.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for December 3, 2026.