Council approves 10 private rentals for Dowd Center Theater for 2025–26 to help offset operating costs

Monroe City Council on June 10 approved a plan to allow up to 10 private rental dates at the Dowd Center Theater for the 2025–26 fiscal year to generate revenue and better utilize the facility.

Pete Havanek, presenting the proposal, said the theater has been used for city programming since March last year and staff recommends opening up a limited number of private rentals to community organizations. Under the approved parameters, private renters must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations (with a preference for Monroe‑based groups), each organization may book only one eight‑hour date, a deposit is required, and events must comply with state statutes on obscene or profane content. Havanek said theater staff will have the authority to stop a production that violates statute.

Havanek told council the city would place rentals on the marquee marked as private and would provide pipe and drape to shield gallery windows. He also said the theater will manage alcohol and concessions. Staff estimated the program could generate “anywhere from $20 to $25,000 in revenue” and proposed starting with 10 dates, with the option to expand the program if it performs well.

Council discussed operational consistency across other city facilities and the need to standardize rental policies for community centers and rec centers. Havanek said staff had revised partnership and rental agreements and had coordinated with legal to tighten policies. The theater supervisor is scheduled to begin July 1; staff said they would select rental dates that do not conflict with city programming and would communicate availability to organizations.

A motion to approve 10 private rentals from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026 passed by voice vote. Council asked staff to provide updates to the city manager and assistant city manager as the program is implemented and to monitor revenue and operational impacts for later review.