Resident criticizes ASM amphitheater fees, urges council to limit future subsidies

Scott Rackley, a resident, told the Andover City Council that ASM, the firm that manages the city amphitheater, charged what he called "astronomical fees" for community events and that the council should think carefully before again providing taxpayer subsidies to ASM.

"We're getting ready to roll up on that, and I'm almost positive we're gonna have to supplement them a fairly substantial amount," Rackley said during the meeting's public forum, adding that he remembers the council previously approving "a little over $300,000" to supplement ASM's budget.

Council members and staff responded during the forum and later in the meeting. Mayor Ronnie Price said the amphitheater has cost the city money since it opened and that the city hired ASM in part to avoid the staffing and operational burdens of running events directly. "The amphitheater has cost us citizens money since the day it was built," Price said. He and other council members said they were not aware of all the details of last year's arrangements and thanked Rackley for raising the issue.

City Administrator Jennifer McCausland and other staff indicated the council will see the item again when a request for subsidy or a contract amendment comes before them. No formal action or subsidy was approved at the meeting; Rackley acknowledged as much and urged the council to scrutinize any future supplement requests.

Council members also said there are nonprofit groups that the city historically allowed to use facilities at reduced or no charge and suggested the council will consider consistent policies for community groups.

The amphitheater management and any specific new subsidy request were not on the agenda that evening. Rackley said he can return with exact fee figures and documentation when the item appears for formal consideration.