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Commissioners debate grants, events and staffing as ways to shore up Kaliseum finances
Summary
Board members and staff discussed hiring or contracting grant-writing capacity, monetizing events, and facility limitations (tables, kitchen, liquor licensing) as tools to improve Kaliseum revenue; no contractual changes were approved.
During the meeting commissioners and staff discussed practical ways to increase Kaliseum revenue and reduce losses.
Commissioner Scott Matley and others urged active pursuit of larger events and grant funding; Matley offered to help write three large grants by year-end if Starr received support. Commissioner Jeff Sieting argued for cutting other staff to pay a raise and using funds to hire a grant writer. Parks & Rec staff and operator Chad Williams described operational constraints that limit large bookings, saying "a lack of tables and chairs, a full kitchen and not having a liquor license limited what could be held." Williams said he planned to expand youth baseball, softball and soccer programming and to run volleyball and pickleball leagues to increase income.
The board discussed incentive alternatives such as paying Starr a percentage of grants rather than straight salary increases. No action on hiring a grant writer or changing licensing was taken at the meeting; commissioners said such steps would be considered during budget season and in follow-up planning.
