Title
Approval of an Ordinance Continuing Funding for the Development Director at the Washington Center of the Performing Arts
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Finance Committee recommends the City Council move to approve an ordinance to continue to support funding for the Development Director at the Washington Center of the Performing Arts for the next three years.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve on second reading an ordinance to continue funding for the Development Director at the Washington Center of the Performing Arts for the next three years.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve on second reading an ordinance to continue to support funding of the Development Director position at the Washington Center of the Performing Arts for the next three years.
Staff Contact:
Steve Hall, City Manager, 360.753.8447
Debbie Sullivan, Deputy Administrative Services Director, 360.753.8499
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
The background and analysis has not changed from first to second reading.
The City owns the Washington Center for the Performing Arts. It is operated by contract through a nonprofit organization directed by a volunteer Board of Directors.
In 2015, the City Council agreed to support a Development Director position for the Washington Center’s Endowment Fund. The job of the Development Director is to increase revenues of all types to support the Center and its mission. The City allotted up to $100,000 from the endowment to cover the cost of salary and benefits for the position. Authorization for that funding ends in January 2017.
On September 20, the City Council’s Finance Committee met with Jill Barnes Executive Director and Jocelyn Woods Development Director for the Washington Center. They reported on the progress made by the Center toward increasing revenues from sponsors, grants, ticket sales, Friends of the Center and more. The Center will end the 2017-2017 season in the black financially for the first time in several years. Much of their financial turnaround is due to the work of the Development Director.
After discussion, the Finance Committee recommended threes additional years of joint funding. For the first two years, the City will pay 75% of the estimated $100,000 per year and 50% of the costs in year three.
City Center
First Year $75,000 $25,000
Second Year $75,000 $25,000
Third Year $50,000 $50,000
$200,000 $100,000
City funds would be taken from the Washington Center Endowment, which has a current balance of $970,000.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Washington Center for the Performing Arts provides a venue for dozens of local performing arts organizations. Ensuring success of the Center will allow these groups to continue and to thrive.
Options:
1. Approve the Ordinance
2. Modify the Ordinance
3. Do not pass the Ordinance
Financial Impact:
The Washington Center Endowment Fund has a current balance of $970,000. This action would reduce the Endowment by $200,000 over the next three years.
Attachments:
Ordinance