The 4 percent cable franchise fee Jim Thorpe borough charges Blue Ridge Communications will remain the same during the most recent round of negotiations between the two entities.

Thorpe's borough council recently authorized its solicitor to begin talks with the cable company as the franchise agreement is up for renewal.The money is compensation to the municipality for use of its rights of way and other infrastructure.The Cable Communication Policy Act of 1984 limited cable franchise fees to a maximum of 5 percent of the cable system's gross revenues.While discussion on the issue was brief for Jim Thorpe, it did kick around the idea of raising the percentage it collects from 4 to 5."A lot of the municipalities I am familiar with do charge the 5 percent," borough manager Maureen Sterner said. "It really doesn't affect negotiations."The move, which was eventually decided against, would have brought an additional $18,000 per year into borough coffers."It's kind of a Catch-22 though," said Councilman Jay Miller, "because (Blue Ridge) is most likely going to pass that on to the customers. I think at this time, it's our best bet to stay at the 4 percent."Sterner said the past franchise agreement ran seven years, a contract length she is comfortable with and is hoping for again.