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Lerner Theatre board approves bookkeeping contract, signs off on claims and reviews centennial concert
Summary
The Lerner Theatre Governing Board on Sept. 10 approved a revised bookkeeping services contract, voted to pay $181,772.53 in claims, accepted financial statements showing a year-to-date loss, and heard staff report that the centennial outdoor concert drew about 15,000 people.
The Lerner Theatre Governing Board met in council chambers in Elkhart City on Sept. 10, 2025, and approved a bookkeeping services agreement with Kruger Lawton, authorized payment of $181,772.53 in claims and accepted the treasurer's financial report while reviewing results from the theatre's centennial outdoor concert.
The board accepted the treasurer's report and financial statements after a correction to a bank contribution. Nancy, treasurer, told the board that the Citi contribution shown in the packet "should only be 500,000" and that grants accounted for $205,000 of the year-to-date figures. The treasurer reported that the theatre showed a net loss of $373,000 this year compared with a gain of $122,000 last year; she also said that overall box-office receipts for shows were down and that a portion of revenue on the packet was grant-driven.
Carl Thompson, general manager of the Lerner Theatre, gave the board a recap of the centennial outdoor concert "Celebration under the Stars," saying "With an approximate attendance of 15,000 people, the community was brought together for a spectacular free performance by Kool and the Gang and the Commodores all in 1 night." Thompson thanked theatre staff, volunteers, the Friends of the Lerner, the Lerner Theatre governing board and city departments for their roles in the event and noted strong social-media reaction.
On formal actions, the board approved payment of claims totaling $181,772.53 (details in the meeting packet) by voice vote. The board also approved a revised services agreement with Kruger Lawton for preparation of bookkeeping services; the motion passed on a roll-call vote, 6-0. Board members said the agreement's price was reduced because staff will handle night-of-show financial services that previously were included in the vendor contract.
President Fran Buie and other board members highlighted upcoming centennial events, including a paid Friends of the Lerner fundraiser featuring Midland on Nov. 15 and a free Lerner Loves You concert with Girl Named Tom and the Elkhart County Symphony on Nov. 23. Thompson also listed other forthcoming programming for late 2025 and early 2026, including Premier Arts' The Gift (Dec. 12–14) and a free screening of It's a Wonderful Life on Dec. 21.
Votes at a glance: the agenda, minutes and treasurer's report were adopted by voice votes; the board approved payment of claims in the amount of $181,772.53; and the board approved the Kruger Lawton bookkeeping services agreement on a 6-0 roll-call vote. No ordinances or resolutions were considered. The meeting adjourned after the actions were taken.
