01/22/1990 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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~ Bob Schutz, Director of Cultural Services, gave the staff presentation. Mr. Schutz said that the proposal is to allocate $100,000 to the arts in the FY91 budget, $90,000 of which will go to the major local performing arts organizations--the Oregon Bach Festival, Oregon Mozart Players, Eugene Symphony Orchestra, Eugene Ballet, Eugene Opera, and the Eugene Festival of Musical Theatre. The remaining $10,000 is to be added to the Cultural Arts Program. Ms. Bascom emphasized that the committee feels strongly that it should be the responsibility of the Cultural Affairs Commission to administer the disbursal of these funds. In response to a question from Mr. Holmer, Mr. Schutz said that of the six major local performing arts organizations the Eugene Opera is the only one that is not a resident company. Responding to Mr. Rutan1s concern that no plan for expenditures is given, Mr. Holmer explained that all of the major performing groups are substantially supported by contributions. Because there is a large degree of variation in the budgets among particular groups, the committee feels that each group needs flexibility in deciding how this money is to be used. ~ Warren Wong, ASD Director, presented information regarding the Transient Room Tax Fund. Mr. Holmer said that while the Silva Endowment is allocated toward the operating budgets for the major organizations, the Hult Endowment is strictly earmarked for special arts projects that serve to broaden or deepen community perspective. Allocation of Hult Endowment funds is considered on a case-by-case basis; the Hult Endowment is prudent in its allocation of funds. The Silva Endowment is fully bequeathed, whereas the Hult Endowment is a series of assets that is received over time. Mr. Boles asked staff whether the money generated from an increase in the Patron User Fee (PUF) would be an adequate financial reserve to maintain the Hult Center in "mint" condition. Mr. Gleason cautioned that although this money is adequate for standard maintenance, repair, and replacement needs, it is not adequate capital to account for unexpected problems that may arise. Jennifer King, Eugene Cultural Affairs Commission President, underscored the important role that City funding plays within the arts in our community. Ms. King pointed out that such funding not only illustrates the effectiveness of our public/private partnership, but that granting agencies look unfavorably at organizations that lack direct public support. Ms. King stressed that Eugene Arts Foundation money is not a substitute for City support. In not offering City support to the arts, the City is imparing its ability to obtain grant money from outside the community. On behalf of the Eugene Cultural Affairs Commission, Ms. King expressed disappointment with the hospitality industry's reaction to the Transient Room Tax proposal. The commission believes that the impact that a tax increase would have on the price of rooms pales in comparison to the impact that the recent PUF increase had on ticket prices. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council Dinner/Work Session January 22, 1990 Page 2