Council presses staff for operations model and fundraising details before approving bond plan

Councilmembers across the political spectrum said they support exploring a performing arts center but need an operational business model before agreeing to public capital commitments. Multiple members stressed that capital authorization and ongoing operations are distinct decisions and that an unexpected annual subsidy could emerge without clear revenue assumptions.

"We have to start doing that because without that number, we don't know operationally what it's gonna cost us every single month, every year," one councilmember said, urging rapid outreach to foundations and private donors. City Manager Kimberly Greer confirmed staff will present two operational scenarios—one with a city‑run model and one with a private or public‑private operator—at the May 19 work session. The council directed staff to include staffing options, assumed rental rates for user groups, and a sensitivity analysis showing how different private fundraising outcomes would change the city's capital and operating needs.