Negotiations for cable contracts in the tri-town will begin this year, but Mattapoisett Selectman Paul Silva says there isn’t much negotiating to be had any more.

“I can tell you the world out there has changed significantly,” said Silva, who worked in the cable industry for many years. “They don’t really need to negotiate any more with the communities. That’s a fact, unfortunately.”

Tri-town Selectmen met on Thursday night and discussed how to move forward with cable contracts. Comcast expires in December 2015 and Verizon in 2016.

Silva said many in the area would prefer Providence network stations, rather than Boston, but he doubted that cable stations would make any changes.

Two attorneys were considered to head discussions with the cable providers. Attorney William Solomon was hired in the last round of contract discussions.

“Being on the ORCTV board, the consensus was that Mr. Solomon had done a very good job,” said Rochester Selectman Naida Parker.

Marion Selectman John Henry also said he was comfortable with Solomon, but Mattapoisett Selectman Jordan Collyer was for Bill Hewig, an experienced cable contract negotiator with Kopelman and Paige.

“I was thoroughly impressed with his résumé and the references I received,” said Collyer.

Solomon put in his bid for $170 per hour and Hewig for $175.

In a vote, the majority chose Solomon. Collyer voted in favor of Hewig. Silva abstained.

The Selectmen agreed to set up a committee for negotiations comprised of one Selectman from each town, a representative from ORCTV and one tri-town citizen.

Mattapoisett Town Administrator Mike Gagne said negotiations should begin soon and can be expected to last three to four months. Meetings will be open to the public.