HOULTON – Both opponents and proponents of an initiative that would require televised broadcasts of all board and committee meetings held on town property will have one final chance tonight to voice their opinions on the matter.

Town councilors will hold a public hearing about the proposal that would have town meetings broadcast on the local public access TV channel. Councilors are expected to make a decision on the matter tonight.

At this point, the town telecasts only regular and special council meetings.

Councilor Carl Lord introduced the measure last month, and debate has continued ever since.

Along with additional broadcasts, the proposal would require all meetings to be held in council chambers at the Town Office and obligate each group to provide someone to turn the cameras on and off at each gathering.

If Lord’s idea passes, the public could watch planning board, zoning board and a host of other meetings from their homes.

Councilors have expressed different views about Lord’s suggestion. Councilor Paul Romanelli said at the last meeting that he was in favor of putting some committee meetings on television but felt the group should pare the list so the public isn’t bored with excessive meeting coverage. Councilor Phil Bernaiche supported his fellow councilor’s appeal for more coverage.

The most vocal opponent of the measure has been Sue Tortello, a member of the planning board who has spoken out against the additional broadcasts at several meetings. Tortello has maintained that it would be harder for groups to recruit and retain members if meetings were televised.