By Associated Press
Buffalo, NY – Cable television company Adelphia Communications owes the city of Buffalo $88,218 in overdue franchise fees and late charges, a state audit says.
But Adelphia officials questioned the methodology used in the report.
The audit by the state Public Service Commission found that Adelphia owed the city $79,718 in franchise fees due to unreported revenue. The audit also found that the company owed an extra $8,500 in late penalties.
Adelphia's 10-year franchise with the city expires in December 2005. Thomas Tarapacki, the city's director of telecommunications, utilities and franchises, said it would be in Adelphia's best interest to settle the debt so franchise talks can proceed. He expected negotiations to formally begin within six months.
In a statement, Adelphia's Regional Manager Vincent Laurendi Jr. said the company is working with Tarapacki's office.
"Like the city, we want to bring this issue to a close in order to move forward with a new franchise agreement for the company," Laurendi said.