Cable subscribers in Natchez and Vidalia will not have to pay more for the Disney Channel, but rate increases are more than likely on the way.

Last month, Cable ONE&160;announced it would drop the Disney Channel after a pricing dispute with the Disney Company.

The cost to carry the Disney Channel has increased 40 percent in the last three years, Manager Bobby McCool said. But recent negotiations between Cable&160;ONE and the Disney Co. were successful, and the channel will stay part of the basic cable lineup.

McCool said Cable ONE subscribers will not pay more for the Disney Channel, but rises in the cost of living, operation and programming costs will force an increase in basic service rates soon. &uot;I’m sure there will be an adjustment,&uot; he said.

Just as was recently done with the Disney Channel, all programming will be reviewed in April or May, McCool said.

&uot;We’ll have to look at each individual programming and consider any alternatives,&uot; he said.

The reason behind the pricing dispute with Disney was the price asked for did not fall in line with what Cable ONE considers a reasonable rate for its subscribers, McCool said.

A formula is used to determine what a reasonable rate should be, and McCool said Natchez’s rates are among the lowest.

&uot;It wasn’t until last year that we broke the $30 mark,&uot; he said.

How much rates will increase will not be known until after the programming is reviewed, but McCool said average increases range from 4 to 10 percent.

Joyce Arceneaux, Ward 1 Alderwoman and public utilities chairperson, said she is pleased negotiations went well and Cable ONE decided to keep the Disney Channel.

&uot;It’s a clean, educational station,&uot; she said, and one that she knows many residents would have missed.

Arceneaux said she continues to believe the Natchez Board of Aldermen should take a proactive stance when Cable ONE’s franchise agreement comes up for review in the spring.

Though Cable ONE’s contract with the city&160;could very well be renewed, Arceneaux said competition in the bid process could bring in the lowest rates with the best programming.

&uot;I think it would be beneficial for Natchez to have more than one company to serve the community,&uot; she said.