Council adopts donation authority for mayor and a modest preservation fee for theater and amphitheater

The council voted to adopt two ordinances affecting Parks & Recreation operations.

First, in an ordinance enacting chapter 3.58 of the Murray City Municipal Code, the council authorized the mayor to accept donations or sponsorships under $100,000 for Parks & Recreation programs and facilities and directed the finance director to report accepted donations to council periodically. The ordinance also authorizes the mayor to approve naming of minor interior spaces (benches, rooms, concessions) while major facility namings would return to council for approval; Parks & Recreation Advisory Board had given unanimous support (SEG 2544'SEG 2563, SEG 2590'SEG 2599).

Second, the council approved an ordinance adding a preservation fee for use of the Murray Theater and Murray Park Amphitheater (chapter 3.60). The fee structure adopted sets $1 per ticket at the outdoor amphitheater and $1 per ticket for theater tickets priced $15 and under and $2 for tickets over $15. Staff noted Zions Financial estimated a higher ceiling ($4.36 per seat) but recommended a lower initial fee to avoid limiting early patronage; the Parks & Rec board recommended a one-year review to assess revenue performance (SEG 2639'SEG 2652, SEG 2668'SEG 2679).

Both measures passed on council votes and were announced as adopted by roll call. Councilors discussed fee levels, equity concerns, and the intent that the theater fee be a savings account for maintenance rather than the theater's full operating budget (SEG 2656'SEG 2679).

Next steps: staff will implement the fee collection for applicable events and return in a year to review the preservation fee amounts.