Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Facilities Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Select Board agrees to lower theater guild user fee contingent on insurance and deposit
Summary
The Hampden Select Board voted to reduce or waive part of the facility user fee for a local theater guild’s ticketed shows, contingent on receipt of a current insurance binder and a $100 security deposit; the board emphasized the need to cover town costs without deterring volunteer groups.
The Hampden Select Board on March 9 approved a temporary reduction of the facility user fee for the local theater guild’s ticketed performances, contingent on the theater providing an up‑to‑date insurance binder and a $100 security deposit.
Board members and staff reviewed the town’s facility‑use policy, which exempted non‑ticketed rehearsals but called for fees when organizations generate revenue from ticketed events. The written policy sets a $150 per‑show fee; meeting participants said that level would be burdensome for a volunteer troupe that stages multiple performances and rehearsals.
The board resolved to accept the theater’s use while reducing the fee for the upcoming run and conditioning the waiver on receipt of the required insurance certificate and security deposit. A motion to lower the fee was moved, seconded and approved; town staff said the binders and deposit must be received this week to allow rehearsals and auditions to proceed without interruption.
Select Board members noted the policy’s intent is to cover the town’s actual costs — utilities, cleaning and potential damage — while enabling community arts groups to use the facility. The board asked staff to treat the decision as a potential framework for similar future requests and to ensure that any fee waiver is documented and contingent on proof of insurance.
