After lengthy discussion and numerous testimonies from community members Monday, the city’s financial committee voted on 38 amendments proposed to Mayor Paul Soglin’s 2013 operating budget, including denying additional funding to the Overture Center.
Members of Madison’s Board of Estimates Committee voted against an amendment to restore $900,000 in funding to the Overture Center for the Arts.
Common Council will have a final vote on the proposed 2013 capital and operating budget in November, so the Overture could still receive additional funding.
“It’s disappointing tonight, but this was the first of two steps,” Overture President Ted DeDee said.
Soglin denied the additional funding because the city would have to borrow the extra funds from premiums the city receives, which Soglin said is “risky.” He also said it is because of these past borrowing budget practices that the city does not have enough funding for the Overture.
Although the city has received premiums—up-front cash the city receives from banks—in the past, Soglin said it is not guaranteed funding each year and using premium funds in the operating budget is poor budgeting practice.
He added it is because of similar past budget practices that the city does not have enough funding for the Overture.
“All the dreams and all the hopes [for the city] are put on hold,” Soglin said. “Why? Because of this borrowing situation.”
Members also voted to approve dedicating $25,000 toward a year-round homeless day shelter, which will be run by Dane County.
Prior to Monday’s finance meeting, Soglin wanted the $25,000 to go toward the proposed Helping Hands Homeward program, an initiative that would provide homeless people money to return to friends and family in other communities.
Although Ald. Satya Rhodes-Conway, District 12, said she believes the best way to combat homelessness in Madison is through providing permanent housing, she said funding a day shelter is a “step in the right direction.”
“A year-round day shelter gives folks access to resources,” Rhodes-Conway said. “It brings stability to people’s lives and gives them a place to go.”
David Jones contributed to this article.
