Council moves $800,000 to River District savings to fund roof modifications and approve change-order process

The Tuscaloosa City Council approved a River District Fund revision that moves $800,000 from the amphitheater repairs and supplies line into the savings center to cover part of an estimated $1.3 million in roof modifications.

Staff described the $1.3 million roof-modification cost and proposed a compromise funding plan: $800,000 in FY2026 (approved at the meeting) and a planned $500,000 in FY2027 to complete the full amount. Staff acknowledged the approach resembles short-term reallocation, saying the amphitheater budget will be replenished when reimbursements or fundraising come in; if funds do not materialize the city would not be able to bring related contracts to projects committee until funding exists.

A presenter described the rooftop terrace created by the modifications as a destination space with "about 300" capacity for standing events and roughly 150 for seated tables, and said it offers revenue opportunities through naming rights and ticketed events once a development director is in place to lead fundraising. Staff added that dedicated accounting and finance tracking will segregate event and fundraising revenue so reimbursements to the amphitheater budget can be clearly identified.

Council approved the FY2026 transfer by voice vote, and staff said they would need the change order doubled up on the agenda to allow a council vote on the change orders that evening. The council’s approval allows the projects staff to proceed with the change orders presented to projects committee and move forward with contracting as funding allows.

What happens next: Staff will present the change orders for council approval and track fundraising/revenues separately to reimburse the amphitheater budget when funds arrive.