FALMOUTH — Town officials are updating the use policies for community access television Channel 2 to ensure balanced political programming and to limit its cost to taxpayers.

The proposed new rules would prohibit programs that promote a particular candidate or cause. Political forums or debates would be allowed if they were open to all candidates in an election or all positions on an issue.

The new rules grew from concern over recent local cable presentations for and against the proposed reuse of the Plummer-Motz and Lunt elementary schools, Town Manager Nathan Poore told the Town Council on Monday.

The hour-long presentations were made separately, one after the other, and each production was staffed by town employees.

The new rules also would prohibit promotional programs for religious beliefs and commercial products or services, including gambling, lotteries and free gifts.