02/18/1981 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e $89,000 will be for groups through the Parks & Recreation Department with approximately $51,000 available for projects such as Eugene Summer. Twenty-five percent of the room tax money is given to the Parks & Recreation Department for allocation to performances. Mr. Obie asked if the $100,000 that is now given to the arts will be reduced by the size of the subsidy. Mr. Gleason stated there is a need to think about all our cultural activities in light of this process. They will come back to the council to discuss the entire relationship. Mr. Obie asked if the council should first look at the whole picture rather than looking at only this part of it. Mr. Gleason stated that for the first three years a percentage of the rate with a ten-percent maximum will be available, which will not be a significant difference. This schedule is being recommended as the Performing Arts Center needs to develop its procedures so they can begin sched- uling performances. He would recommend adoption of the resolution. This will not affect the facility nor detract from our attempts to resolve the room tax issues. Mr. Obie stated that it is a small percentage, but it is $40,000 a year. Mr. Gleason responded that that is correct, but there would only be a marginal difference of approximately $8,000 to $10,000 a year. This will be a 60- to 80-year facility and they are trying in the first ten years to develop a clientele as well as an opportunity for local users to be successful. Mr. Obie expressed concern that the rates have been developed without regard for balancing funds in the community for the arts. Mr. Reynolds responded that these rates need to be determined as soon as possible for local users to begin planning. Mr. Obie stated that the needs should be determined now rather than later when other decisions will be made. Mr. Reynolds agreed that these rates are very important for planning for users. Mr. Gleason stated that the board is aware of the financial situation. Ms. Wooten stated that the room tax committee has seen a need to rethink the use of room tax funds. They are just now beginning to review the program and will make recommendations to the Budget Committee and the council. Ms. Smith stated that because the Room Tax Subcommittee was concerned about funding and impact on other allocations, she and Les Anderson were appointed to a subcommittee to look at the total picture of room tax with primary emphasis on funding performing arts. Ms. Wooten stated that $40,000 is small when the total deficit will be about $500,000 per year. Mr. Gleason indicated that this should be seen as an investment, not a subsidy. Mr. Lindberg stated that he feels they are moving in the right direction. The deliberations have attempted to balance the concerns of the Performing Arts Center against the concerns of the arts community. There is a balancing problem. Mayor Keller asked what $200 would provide in the community in terms of facility rental. Mr. Reynolds stated that for $200 the South Eugene Auditorium could be rented. Mayor Keller asked what $500 would provide for facility rental. Mr. Reynolds stated that would provide half the Conference Center at the fair- grounds with no chairs. The total charges there are $1,000 per night plus $.20 a chair. MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 18, 1981 Page 5