Wilson City Council agreed to be generous in one fell swoop in a meeting earlier this month, voting first to repair the landmark theater's roof trusses (damaged by a leaky roof) and then agreeing without warning to donate the theater to the Arts Council. Doing so gets the asset, which can be a big liability, off the city's books, and it saddles the Arts Council with unknown future maintenance costs. At a minimum, the Arts Council will have to take out an insurance policy on the building. Councilman James Johnson made the unexpected motion to make the gift, and his motion passed quickly and without any input from the Arts Council. It seems obvious that Johnson had done his homework to line up the votes to support his plan, but it also appears that he did not seek the approval of arts advocates who may justifiably worry how much of a burden this gift will turn out to be.
Some history is needed: In the early 1980s, City Council members were embarrassed to have X-rated movies advertised on a marquee little more than a block from City Hall. To get rid of the embarrassing eyesore, the city bought the Wilson Theatre (I recall the purchase price being $100,000), shut down the projectors and cleared the marquee. Little was done to rehabilitate the historic 1919 theater until some years later. The city again put up most of the money, matching private donations (including $150,000 from Edna Boykin) to restore the theater. Management of the theater was turned over to the Arts Council, but the city kept the deed and responsibility for major repairs.
Today's news story appears to be a compensation for the grossly underplayed original story. On Jan. 16, the WDT reported, far down in a story with a headline that made no reference to the theater or Arts Council:
"In other business, The City Council also made a decision on repairs to the downtown Edna Boykin Cultural Center. The council decided to have the ceiling trusses repaired for $91,750. Councilman James Johnson III recommended that the city turn over the property deed to the Arts Council of Wilson after the repairs are complete. The council voted in favor of the move."
That's it? More than 25 years of city ownership of one of Wilson's most visible and most-used historic structures ended in a quick and surprising vote, and all it's worth is a two-sentence mention under the "other business" rubric? City Council drops a new liability on a nonprofit organization that attracts thousands of members, donors and patrons and earns Wilson a reputation as an arts-oriented city, and it's only worth two sentences? The city gives away a historic theater that is home to the Theater of the American South, and it's not even worth a separate news story in what is supposed to be a local, local, local newspaper? What could be a bigger local story than the city's giving away (without negotiation) the theater it has owned for more than 25 years? And why did it take nearly two weeks for the folks at the WDT to realize they blew this story the first time around?
The city's gift might result in a workable arrangement in the long run. The newspaper's downplaying of City Council's action will remain an egregious shirking of its watchdog role.
...
ReplyDelete....well, I bet old james johnson was one happy camper you were not around. :)
The City will undoubtedly fund the arts council after their (OUR) little gift of real estate. After all, if you've ever been to one of their little catered shmooze-fest parties, you will see how well connected everyone is. That is why they are speechless. That of course is IMO.
ReplyDeleteOne thing is clear. In these terrible fiscal times the Arts Council of Wilson (at THE very least) needs to stop milking the tax payers for $100,000 per year in Wilson Energy Late Fees -- via the City. It's unconscionable that people go without, yet have to subsidize those that have so much, already.
de Bivar hits on a topic I've written numerous editorials and columns about. Here we go again: The city of Wilson has every right and reason to collect a late payment fee on utilities. It is a good business practice. What service provider (utilities, banks, repair services, etc.) doesn't charge a late fee? The city is no different. Without a late payment penalty, payments would be constantly in arrears, at a financing cost to taxpayers (including those who pay their bills on time) far in excess of the nonprofit funding the city provides. The city's only mistake, in my opinion, was in linking the late fees directly to nonprofit funding. That merely gives critics an avenue for complaints. Arts Council membership is open to everyone. Arts Council events are open to everyone. The city's support of the Arts Council, which provides cultural enrichment, including a youth theater program, the city does not provide, is a good investment. The city's support of the Arts Council is no different from the county's support of Wilson County Youth Athletic Association, which provides a recreational program the county doesn't have.
ReplyDeleteNo one said the City shouldn't charge a late fee. That's never been the issue.
ReplyDeleteHowever, taking a $10.00 late fee from people who can't afford to pay their bills on time (something that isn't unheard of in this economy) and giving the Arts Council the lion's share, ($100,000 per year) is not only unfair, it's an insult to groups that have to beg for funds to help the homeless.
Furthermore, you are incorrect in claiming that Arts Council events are open to everyone. If I were you I would do a little more research. Ask about their "invitation only" events. Most recently the Holiday Invitational (a big catered open bar affair) and that little community-minded birthday bash recently for Mr. Simpson, whose invitation somehow missed most peoples' mailboxes.
But, the real issue you are missing is it takes Money to attend MOST of their events. How is it possible for someone who can't pay their electric bill (thus having to pay the late fee) to be able to afford tickets for the Arts Council events?
...
ReplyDeleteThe Arts Council of Wilson
IS OPEN TO EVERYBODY.
It is your decision whether to partake OR NOT.
Simple.
[But, the real issue you are missing is it takes Money to attend MOST of their events. How is it possible for someone who can't pay their electric bill (thus having to pay the late fee) to be able to afford tickets for the Arts Council events?]
ReplyDelete.....what?
If one wants to go to arts council events and does not have the money then I suggest get a 2nd job so you can. Just like any other optional activities one might enjoy.
I suppose you think government should pay for people's extracurricular activities in addition to their babies and food and utilities etc.
Personal responsibility is a trait the public education system has forgotten to reinforce. Sad
The Arts Council already gets Government subsidies. They are on the Dole. Via Late fees and City, State and Federal Dollars.
ReplyDeleteSo, we are already paying for their Events.
"The Arts Council already gets Government subsidies. They are on the Dole. Via Late fees and City, State and Federal Dollars.
ReplyDeleteSo, we are already paying for their Events."
...if that is your thought then I should be able to spend the night in the white house when I visit DC.