The Prior Lake City Council approved the extension of two cable franchise agreements with Nuvera and Mediacom for the next five years at its March 10 meeting.

A memo drafted by City Manager Jason Wedel referenced state franchise laws created in the 1980s that addressed only cable television. While bills have been introduced over the years in the state legislature to address broadband and internet service, to date, no changes have been implemented, despite the fact the latter services now command significant use of public right-of-ways for the installation of its infrastructure. Legislative changes are not anticipated to be passed in the near future, so an extension of the original agreements with the two providers was recommended for another five-year period.

The franchise fee charged to both cable companies total 5% of quarterly gross revenues. In 2025, Nuvera’s fees totaled $50,564, while Mediacom paid $82,704. Wedel noted that franchise fees owed to the city continue to decrease each year, as resident usage of cable services has declined.

Wedel said he anticipates a third cable television agreement will be considered by the council later this year following Comcast’s completion of the initial application process with the city last summer.