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Cultural Council reports 360 events and steps to make Waterworks operation sustainable
Summary
The St. Johns County Cultural Council told the commission the Waterworks hosted roughly 360 unique events for more than 12,000 patrons in FY25 and identified revenue, cost and contracting changes planned to reduce the council’s $122-per-event underwriting burden.
Jeff Potts, executive director of the St. Johns County Cultural Council, presented an FY25 activity and financial report for the Waterworks facility, which the council manages under contract with the city. Potts said the facility hosted about 360 distinct events and more than 12,000 patrons in the fiscal year; the Cultural Council runs priority programming and partners with a range of arts and community organizations.
Potts described income sources, direct operating costs (rent, utilities, janitorial and liability insurance) and a plan to standardize rental rates to improve sustainability. He said direct operating costs last fiscal year were roughly $64,000 and that the council underwrote about $122 per event. Potts said the council expects a roughly 20% increase in certain costs next fiscal year tied to liability coverage for partners, and that the council would adopt clearer rate schedules and prioritize revenue-driving events to reduce underwriting.
Commissioners praised the council for activity and stewardship; staff and commissioners asked for continued updates on standardization and partnerships that could reduce net subsidy.
Next step: Cultural Council will return with implementation details for standardized rates and a plan to close the operating gap while maintaining wide community access.
