COOS BAY - Channel 14, the public access cable television channel, appears on the verge of reaching a contract extension with the city of Coos Bay. Gordon Young, president of Broadcast Services Inc., met with the city's Government Access Committee this week and requested an additional year be added to the current contract that expires June 30.

By doing so, it would provide Young and the city time to explore ways to revamp the nonprofit group's funding sources. Broadcast Services has a $25,000 annual budget, with revenue generated by subscription fees from the various government agencies that have their meetings broadcasted. The revenue pays for operating expenses, including equipment upgrades and replacements, water and sewer, telephone and cable, insurance and other operating materials.

Committee Chairman Mark Daily said an alternative method for raising funds would be to put a nominal fee on cable subscribers. He said it would be worth taking up the subject with Charter Communications and see if some agreement might be reached.

Young said he'd like to see a countywide fee instituted so government agencies outside the Coos Bay-North Bend area could have their meetings covered.

Another measure Daily suggested was merging Broadcast Services and Public Access Local Supporters, the group that operates Channel 98. The channels would remain separate, but share equipment and volunteers.

Interim City Manager Joyce Jansen said she would send the recommendation to extend the Broadcast Services contract to the City Council at its meeting at 7 p.m., Tuesday, at Coos Bay City Hall.

- Staff Writer Alexander Rich