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Columbia Classical Ballet appeals to council after hospitality‑tax funding cut, cites outreach to 5,000 residents
Summary
Columbia Classical Ballet told the council its hospitality tax support was cut from $150,000 to $75,000 and said the company provides 5,000 free tickets annually to community groups; the organization urged transparency and urged the council to consider its outreach when allocating hospitality funds.
Lee Lumpkin, representing Columbia Classical Ballet, told the City Council the troupe’s hospitality tax funding was cut from $150,000 to $75,000 and said the ballet was the only arts organization to experience a cut at the committee meeting. Lumpkin said the ballet distributes about 5,000 free tickets each year to community groups and argued that those attendees support local hospitality businesses.
“We have 5,000 people that come to the Coker because of us,” Lumpkin said, describing outreach to adaptive recreation participants, group homes, and families who host refugees. She told the council the ballet’s outreach and low‑price tickets (including $5 and $10 options) should be considered when hospitality tax funding is allocated.
Lumpkin said she has begun a personal investigation into the committee’s decision and intends to return to council with findings from the hospitality tax committee. She asked council members to consider that the outreach audience contributes to hospitality tax revenue through attendance.
Council members acknowledged her comments and invited her to return with further information. No action or reversal of the committee’s funding decision was recorded at the meeting; the hospitality tax committee decision was discussed only in public comment.
