Under the authority granted by the federal Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984, "franchising authorities" (in Washington State, these are cities and counties) can require cable television companies to negotiate a franchise (contract) to provide cable TV service within a municipality. The City of Pasco currently has one non-exclusive cable television franchise with Charter Communications, due to expire in 2026.
The City Manager's Office monitors and enforces the rules set forth in the franchise. The City collects a franchise fee of 5% of gross revenues from Charter for their use of the City's rights-of-way, as per federal law. Nearly $300,000 in franchise fees are collected annually. Federal case law allows cable companies to pass on this fee directly to their customers (usually listed as "Franchise Fee" on your cable bill).
If you have any questions, please contact Communications Services at (509) 545-3485.