Cable TV Bills to Change March 1

Cable television customers in Camarillo will see a small change in their monthly bills beginning March 1, with some customers paying more each month and others spending less.

An agreement approved by Ventura County Cablevision and the City Council calls for the company to charge viewers in the eastern half of the city 33 cents less each month, and subscribers in western Camarillo an additional 43 cents each month.

After city officials objected to rates charged by the cable provider in 1994, attorneys for Camarillo and Ventura County Cablevision began negotiating adjustments.

They settled on a formula that calls for western city residents to pay an extra $1.75 a month in tier charges, but saves customers $1.32 a month on charges for converters and remote controls.

The net result for most customers in the western portion of the city is an increase of 43 cents a month, raising the cost of cable to at least $27.39.

In eastern Camarillo, subscribers will now pay 5 cents more a month in tier charges but save 38 cents a month in converter and remote-control costs. That translates to a 33-cent monthly savings, bringing the lowest monthly rate down to $23.68.

Ventura County Cablevision separates Camarillo into service areas under its franchise agreement with the city. Company officials declined to detail the number of subscribers in each section or even the boundary.

Camarillo Mayor David M. Smith was the only council member to vote against the deal, saying he was looking forward to increased competition brought about by a new federal telecommunications law.