The Casper City Council half-agreed on how to broadcast its work sessions, which are currently conducted without any recordings.

The council has discussed the idea of filming and broadcasting work sessions for months, but this was the first time members hashed out specifics.

There was a four-to-four tie among the city council's eight voting members about whether to broadcast work sessions or keep the status quo. Casper Mayor Kenyne Schlager, who votes during work sessions to break a tie, voted in favor of change.

The next step was to decide how to broadcast - audio only in the form of a podcast available for download online, or live audio and video on Channel 3 and the city's Web site.

Bresnan has an existing agreement with the city that requires them to wire one room at city hall for audio and video, and going audio-only would force the city to foot the bill.

Council members by and large opposed the idea of filming the work sessions, worried that a camera would change the free-flowing conversation and banter enjoyed by members.

Instead of the option for prepared audio, though, the council wants a city staff member to look at ways to trim the $1,300 cost.

The matter will come before another work session for more discussion.

You can reach city reporter Pete Nickeas at pete.nickeas@trib.com or (307) 266-0639. You can read more about Casper politics and government at http://tribtown.trib.com/redtape