Council allocates wrap‑tax funding to local arts organizations, awarding majority to Mesa and Z Arts

At the May 14 meeting the Springdale Town Council reviewed three applications for the town’s portion of Washington County wrap‑tax funding and approved awards totaling the available discretionary allocation. After discussion, the council voted to allocate $14,500 to Zion Canyon Mesa, $12,000 to Zion Canyon Arts & Humanities (Z Arts) and $2,500 to Arts Design (Arts to Zion). Councilmembers said they prioritized locally based organizations with sustained programming for residents and noted the Mesa has repeatedly applied to the county and been denied wrap‑tax funds there.

Applicants described planned uses: Arts Design proposed a Springdale cultural hub tour and associated marketing; Z Arts requested support for workshops, performing arts, a community talent show, volunteer recognition and submitted a subsequent request to add $3,000 for the film festival programming; Zion Canyon Mesa requested support for residencies, public lectures and a writers’ workshop series and said it will continue pursuing county wrap‑tax funding.

Council discussed the applications’ alignment with town general‑plan goals on parks, recreation and arts; economic development; and natural and cultural resources. Councilmember Pat Campbell moved to award the funds and to have town staff prepare agreements with recipients; the motion passed unanimously with attending councilmembers voting aye. Staff will bring individual agreements to a future council meeting.