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Commissioners pledge support as Montgomery Ballet seeks emergency roof funding
Summary
A Montgomery Ballet representative asked the county commission for help after a recent roof collapse at the troupe’s newly renovated theater; commissioners pledged designated funds, private outreach, and community partnerships while approving a package of small appropriations for local arts and youth programs.
Daniel, who identified himself as representing the Montgomery Ballet, told the Montgomery County Commission on July 7 that the company’s recently renovated performance venue suffered a roof collapse and that three contractor quotes totaled about $45,000 to replace it. “I’ve gotten 3 quotes so far of $45,000,” he said, and reported roughly $27,000 raised to date, including “$10,000” from a donor the transcript identifies as Miss Beard and about $2,000 from a Walmart store grant.
The request came during the public-comment portion of the meeting. Daniel said the troupe is a regional company that serves Montgomery and nearby communities; he described outreach programs in Greenville, Selma and Tuskegee and noted the company had just received a certificate of occupancy in May when the roof damage occurred. He said the Alabama State Council on the Arts had awarded funds for audiovisual improvements that might be amended to help cover repairs.
Commissioners responded with immediate offers of support from designated funds and suggestions to seek corporate or foundation partners. Commissioner Harris offered $5,000 from a designated fund and urged the representative to pursue in-kind help from retailers; one commissioner indicated an agency-designated contribution of roughly $15,300 would be available, and others said they would match or consider additional assistance. The commission also suggested outreach to local hardware stores and steel suppliers identified by the speaker as potential in-kind partners.
The request was bundled into the meeting’s miscellaneous appropriations discussion; the commission approved a package of appropriations that included sums directed to the Montgomery Ballet. The commission did not specify an exact county funding commitment for the ballet beyond the individual designated contributions pledged during the meeting.
Why this matters: The Montgomery Ballet serves local and regional schools and community programs and said the damage threatens a new performance space that hosts outreach and free community shows. Commissioners’ immediate financial offers and the approved appropriations package move the group closer to making repairs but leave a remaining funding gap the troupe said would still need private or grant support.
Looking ahead: County staff and commissioners said they would revisit the funding question at the next meeting if additional action or a specific county appropriation is requested. Daniel left photos and contact information with staff for follow-up.
