O'Fallon council OKs using Cultural Arts funds for roundabout artwork, asks staff to reflect choice in midyear budget

Councilmembers on Sept. 11 discussed how to fund artwork planned for a new city-controlled roundabout, with several members urging caution about using road-repair dollars and others pointing out the Cultural Arts Commission (CAC) has funds available. Councilmember Debbie Cook told the council she had re-watched the Cultural Arts Commission meeting and found $15,000 available that could be used toward the piece. "They do have an extra $15,000 even just this year," Cook said.

City administrator Michael Snowden told the council the prior resolution did not specify a funding source and asked for a nonbinding 'head nod' to guide Vicki Bossier's midyear budget adjustment. Snowden said the CAC normally has $25,000 annually for art purchases and that the commission could be asked to weigh in on future roundabout artwork. "The Cultural Arts Commission, the $25,000 that they have every year for art is at the council's discretion," Snowden said.

Several council members emphasized they did not want street or road funds used for the artwork. "Our road fund does not need to be used to buy art," Councilmember Ragsdale said. Council consensus was to proceed with using $15,000 from the CAC and to source the remainder from the general fund rather than the streets budget; staff said they would proceed to prepare a midyear budget adjustment reflecting that guidance.

Public comment included a resident warning of maintenance and liability concerns for a monument set back from Highway K; the speaker said roughly 1,500 drivers per day would see the monument and urged reconsideration. City staff and council members noted that maintenance, visibility and site selection would be considered as the project moves forward.