JANESVILLE — The Janesville City Council voted down a proposal Thursday night that would have provided $75,000 in additional revenue to JATV, the local cable access channel.
The proposal came up amid related discussion about potentially moving JATV from the Hedberg Public Library to City Hall, and to have it operate as part of the city manager’s communications team. It also came up as the council was weighing amendments to the proposed $133.37 million 2025 city budget.
The vote was 5-2. Council members Larry Squire, Michael Jackson, Aaron Burdick, Richard Neeno and Dave Marshick voted no, while council members Heather Miller and Paul Williams voted yes.
Miller proposed the JATV budget amendment and ultimately joined Williams as the only two council members voting in favor.
Miller did not offer a specific plan Thursday night for how to increase revenue for JATV, which City Manager Kevin Lahner said is facing significant financial challenges as the cable franchise fees it relies on as a key source of revenue decline due to more people “cutting the cord.”