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Arts commission tells city it wants restored sales-tax allocation, outlines grants pace and deadlines
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Summary
Executive Director Aaron Myers told commissioners the agency asked the mayor’s review team to remove a cap and return the 5% sales-tax allocation and to allow access to its fund balance; staff reported increased purchase order activity, 276 POs to date, and reminded grantees that the large capital projects grant closes Dec. 17 at 10 p.m.
Executive Director Aaron Myers told the Commission on the Arts and Humanities on Dec. 15 that the agency presented an FY27 budget request to the mayor’s budget review team seeking to remove a cap, restore the Commission’s 5% sales-tax allocation and gain ready access to its fund balance.
Myers said the requests were supported by data showing increased demand across the creative ecosystem and a need to preserve and care for the agency’s collections. He also reiterated staff's prior requests for a cost-of-living adjustment for agency employees and said staff are exploring unionization and bargaining opportunities.
On grants and operations, Myers reported 276 purchase orders had been created so far this cycle and that the agency expects to meet or exceed last year’s pace for obligating funds. He reminded applicants that the large capital projects grant application window closes Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 10:00 p.m., and provided contact information for the senior grants officer for questions.
Finance committee members later provided a more detailed budget snapshot. Resource Allocation Officer Brandon Saunders said the Commission’s total budget was about $45.7 million, with roughly 78.32% (approximately $35.8 million) currently available, and noted a recent monthly increase of about $1.8 million in purchase-order expenditures tied to contracts and obligations.
Commissioners asked for follow-up opportunities to review line-item questions at a planned Feb. 20 finance committee meeting; staff said more granular breakdowns are available in that forum.
