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Harrisburg council tables $8,700 request for Source Magazine amid concerns about shortfall
Summary
Council members expressed concern about a projected $20,000 deficit across four issues of Source Magazine and asked for clearer financials before approving the city's $8,700 share; presenters said the magazine reaches about 19,000 mailboxes and requested more time to refine the plan.
Harrisburg City Council on Monday heard an extended presentation about a funding request for Source Magazine and agreed to table the city's $8,700 contribution until staff and the sponsoring organizations provide clearer financials.
Bryce Healy of HEDC told the council the local development group and partners are working with the magazine and that the board has been discussing the publication's future. Healy said the magazine reaches a broad number of households but acknowledged an operating deficit: "we're only 3 issues into it, and we're just entering issue 4" and staff are still refining the budget and ways to reduce expenditures.
Council members pressed presenters for more detail after learning the total projected loss across four issues could reach about $20,000. One council member warned that obligating funds now could increase the city's exposure if subsequent issues carry the same shortfall. City staff and presenters said a portion of the deficit reflects commissions and previously-paid printing costs the city had already advanced.
Because several key numbers and the proposed cost split among the four sponsoring entities were new to some council members at the meeting, Healy asked the council to table consideration so the groups could "regroup" and present revised figures and options. The council agreed to postpone a final decision; staff noted there is a Friday print deadline if the board wishes to act quickly.
Next steps: the publication's backers will supply updated financial breakdowns and proposals for how costs would be shared; the council will revisit the request once those materials are available.
