Chart compares the past five quarters of financial results for MI-Connection. The third-quarter of fiscal 2012 (right column) showed improvement in all major areas. (SOURCE: MI-Connection quarterly reports, 2011-12)

By DAVID BORAKS
DavidsonNews.net

The MI-Connection Communications System continued its gradual improvement over the past three months, reporting its highest-ever revenues and lower expenses, leading to a record operating income. Meanwhile, the state’s Local Government Commission remains has sent its annual letter expressing concern about MI-Connection’s long-term financial health, but this year’s was shorter, with fewer specific concerns than past years. Read the full story

Davidson commissioners got their first glimpse at a proposed 2012-13 budget Tuesday night that envisions little or no increase in spending and projects slightly higher revenues from taxes and fees, amid an improving economy. Read the full story

Former mayoral candidate Vince Winegardner recently emailed Town Board members and other town officials to propose a new way of paying for the annual subsidy to MI-Connection Communications System – the local communications network the town owns with Mooresville. There are many questions about how it might work and whether it’s even legal. Here’s his proposal.

To the editor:

MI Connection is no longer a funny joke about questionable decision making by a few. The debt is a serious threat to Davidson’s ability to fund its legitimate needs. In FY 2011 it was a $1.9 million subsidy, in FY 2012 it is a $2.4 million subsidy, and in FY 2013 it is expected to be approximately $2.4 million. These numbers represent about 24% of the budget and overshadow every town decision. The citizens continue to patiently wait for the situation to resolve itself but this non-governmental expense is unlikely to be addressed by the current leadership. Read the full story

By DAVID BORAKS
DavidsonNews.net

Chief executive David Auger says there’s a paradox in all the numbers coming out this week about the MI-Connection Communications System. The company owned by Davidson and Mooresville is in a growth spurt – adding customers and expanding revenues. But it’s restating this year’s budget and revenues downward and now needs another $1.1 million from the towns by June 30 to meet a shortfall.

“We’re seeing unprecedented growth, more than anything we’ve seen since MI-Connection came about,” Mr. Auger said Thursday. But, with the company now asking for more money, he said, “there’s a paradox.”

He offered several major reasons for the shortfall: Read the full story

Repair crews worked on a cut fiber-optic cable over Lake Norman in Iredell County the week of Feb. 13. MI-Connection's board last week discussed possible legal action over the incident. (MI-Connection photo)

By DAVID BORAKS
DavidsonNews.net

Revenues at MI-Connection Communications System rose slightly in the quarter that ended Dec. 31 as growth in telephone and internet service offset flat cable TV revenues. But big debt payments contributed to another $1.66 million loss during the three-months. At a monthly board meeting Thursday, Feb. 23, MI-Connection board members also heard about plans for an April 1 rate increase and product upgrades, and discussed potential legal action over a Feb. 12 cable cut that knocked out half the company’s internet capacity. Read the full story

Updated Friday, Feb. 17, 7:21 a.m.
MI-Connection Communications System said Friday it will “assist” internet customers whose connections have been slow this week because of a damaged network cable over Lake Norman. The company’s chief executive said customers could apply for credits via a special email address set up to handle requests. Read the full story

MI-Connection CEO David Auger gave a quarterly operations update Thursday.

MI-Connection Communications System completed its takeover of all the key technical and business operations of the local cable TV and internet network as scheduled Jan. 15, the system’s CEO said Thursday.

Chief executive David Auger told the MI-Connection board of directors at a Davidson Town Hall meeting that MI-Connection has set up a Network Operations Center (NOC) at its Mooresville headquarters – the final step in taking over day-to-day operations from Bristol Virginia Utilities. Read the full story

The Davidson Town Board’s meets Tuesday to say farewell to Commissioners Margo Williams and Tim Dreffer, who did not seek re-election, and to welcome the two men elected to fill their seats: Rodney Graham and Jim Fuller. Meanwhile, other public meetings this week include a Red Line rail line “summit” Tuesday in Mooresville, a MI-Connection board of directors meeting Thursday, and a public information session Thursday on the proposed Red Line commuter rail station off Jackson Street. Read the full story