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Housing Authority declines request to cost-share Court Square Theatre HVAC repair
Summary
The Harrisonburg Housing Authority declined a request to share the cost of a roughly $3,200 HVAC repair at Court Square Theatre, keeping a $10,000 cost-share policy in place after commissioners debated community benefit and budget pressures.
The Harrisonburg Housing Authority on March 19 voted to deny a request from the Arts Council of the Valley to cost-share a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning repair at Court Square Theatre.
The board discussed whether to make an exception to an internal policy that requires cost-sharing only for repairs or projects exceeding $10,000. Staff presented the council's request and said the arts council had lost some city and county funding and asked for help offsetting about $3,200 in HVAC costs.
Board members expressed two competing views: several commissioners said the theater is a community asset worth supporting, pointing to donated tickets and the venue's role in downtown revitalization. Other commissioners emphasized limited Housing Authority cash flow and the need to uphold a consistent threshold so the agency is not repeatedly asked to subsidize outside groups.
Michael (staff member) told the board the Housing Authority has assisted the theater in prior years, including contributing to a roof repair and other maintenance costs, but noted current cash-flow uncertainties related to federal and local funding. Commissioners also reviewed the theater's records; a board member noted the arts council's fundraising and admissions had increased since 2021.
After discussion, a motion to deny the request was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. The board did not adopt a different percentage or exception for this request.
The decision preserves the existing policy threshold for cost-share requests but commissioners suggested staff offer the arts council a chance to explain greater need or to pursue a reduced-cost-sharing arrangement in the future. The Housing Authority will notify the arts council of the board's decision.
The request and ensuing discussion occurred during the agenda item where staff presented documentation of the request and prior assistance, and the vote was recorded during the meeting's public portion.
