Committee creates dedicated Parks account and approves operating funds for Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center

The committee approved two related actions to account for and fund operations at the Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center. Members voted to create a new organization code (Org 711002) in the Parks operating budget for separate accounting beginning in the 2027 budget year. The committee also approved a supplemental appropriation of $589,757 to the Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation’s 2026 operating budget (Org 711001) to cover operation and maintenance costs for the facility; funds were proposed to come from contingency and other revenues.

Commissioner Travis Ewald explained that "they have been covering the operating expenses out of their General Parks Operating Budget" since the county took over operations and that the $589,757 request reflects the projected total operating cost for 2026. Ewald said the county expects about $302,500 in revenue from concessions and rentals, with the remainder coming from contingency. Chairwoman Virginia Scott asked for a copy of the management contract for the management company overseeing the center; County Attorney Richard Golden said there is a contract with the management company and "he will make it available to the Legislative Clerk." Ewald and Golden also described the current one-year management contract with options for two one-year extensions and said the county is auditing the management company’s recordkeeping while county staff provide maintenance and revenue oversight. The committee carried both motions unanimously.