The Pensacola City Council wasn’t in the holiday spirit at its Committee of the Whole meeting yesterday.
SpringFest board president Bobby Marcus was eager for the committee to reach a decision about the festival’s request for $50,000. But he didn’t get one on Monday. SpringFest officials had initially sought $125,000.
Wu said he’s not in favor of a recurring expense in light of budget cuts. Marcus said it won’t be a recurring expense. A partnership between SpringFest and the CRA is being explored. The funds would come from the CRA budget, and the funding request will be considered if SpringFest agrees to host a series of events, not just one.
The Pensacola Little Theatre and Cultural Center had requested $500,000 to repair and upgrade the facility. The estimated $250,000 needed for the repair work, however, would have to come from general fund revenues, which aren’t available. Hence, the committee won’t approve the maintenance costs. But it will consider over $250,000 in funding for capital items when Penny for Progress allocations are made in February.
