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- e e arts groups about the rate of growth. He said growth must level off in the next 24 months but at a higher level than before. He observed that the haste was based on the notion that AMSI groups should perform as resident companies in the HCPA, whi 1 e recogni zi ng that takes a 1 eap forward in budget pl anning, fundraising, and artistic development. Ms. Johnston said when the Eugene Symphony planned to get into the HCPA at a qual i ty 1 evel , the goal was that the next few years be years of stabi 1 i zation. She said the question now is whether this season can be finished. The symphony is already projected to cut back next year. Ms. Johnston stated that what the community can afford is the question. It is now known what it costs to perform in the HCPA. Ms. L. Smith said that for the opera one of the problems was no choice but to move into the HCPA because opera would not have been attended otherwise. She said the cost for the first season or two will be higher than later. She noted that the opera cannot cut back on the musici ans' sa1 ary but the scope of the season can be cut. Mr. Hansen noted that one problem is that expenses are higher. He asked if there are built-in charges that could be reduced. Mr. Toland replied the opera and ballet recently met in the HCPA with Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Pelletier, and Mr. Dustrud to find ways to reduce costs there. The more productions, the more cost will be reduced because of familiarity with the facility. It is costing $10,000 per production this season. However, as time goes on, efficiencies will reduce the cost. Mr. McDonnell, responding to Ms. B. Smith's CfJestion, said all arts groups are hoping to stabilize. The performing arts groups are an asset to the community and are inclined to remain in Eugene to present to Lane County audiences the best this area has to offer. To survive, they must play to the audience's expectations in the HCPA and that is a quantum leap. Costs have been extraordinary. He said a 35-percent growth rate is anticipated now. Responding to a question, Mr. Reeves said conflicts in scheduling have been eliminated. Mr. Toland added that those problems were a reflection of start-up of a new facility. Mr. Reeves also said a second phone line would be helpful. Mr. Miller said that the City government's priorities and how those are reflected to staff in terms of decision-making are important. For example, he asked if Mr. Reynolds' job is to operate the HCPA at a profit or to keep local people involved. Responding to a question, Mr. Snyder indicated the Eugene Arts Foundation hopes to function in advance of the new fiscal year so grants can be built into perform- ing arts companies' budgets. He said meetings have been held two or three times a week for analyzing the cash flow picture. Mr. Snyder said $3.5 million of the $5.5 million goal has been raised in commitments. Of that $3.5, $2 million have been received in cash. Also, commitments totaling $4.7 have been received. Mr. Snyder said endowments are not now funded but will be funded over the next few years. He said EAF is within $2,000 of completing the capital commitment to the MINUTES--Eugene City Council March 14, 1983 Page 4