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Residents and performers push back on proposed theater fee hikes; council carves out discount for high‑use groups
Summary
A longtime theater box‑office employee told council that a proposed 110% theater‑rental increase would price out nonprofit performing groups; council later approved an amendment allowing groups with 30+ rental days in a year to keep 2025 rental rates.
Nancy Krause, who identified herself as a Florissant resident and a long‑time Civic Center Theater box‑office employee, told the council during citizen comments that many nonprofit performing groups cannot absorb a proposed 110% rent increase. "You cannot increase their rates a 110% for a performance," she said, urging the council to consider the community value of local performing groups.
Council later addressed theater prices as part of the budget and fee schedule discussion. Councilman Manganiello moved an amendment to the parks and recreation fee language that would make any rental group that books the Civic Center Theater for 30 or more total rental days within a calendar year eligible to receive 2025 theater rental rates for bookings made during the new fiscal year; Councilwoman Pagano seconded the amendment and the council approved it.
Council members acknowledged the need to balance city financial requirements with support for nonprofit arts groups. City staff and the clerk will update the fee schedule and notify theater renters about eligibility and implementation details.
