Council Delays Action on Arts-Poll Proposal

Facing larger budget cuts than expected, the City Council on Monday postponed action on a proposal to poll residents on the use of tax money for arts support.

The cultural arts assessment would have asked residents what they want from arts organizations in the city, and which, if any, organizations are meeting those needs. The idea for the poll came out of extensive discussions over where the self-described “City of the Arts” should place the arts among other city services on its funding priority list.

Officials said the study, expected to cost $40,000, will be considered for funding later this year, once the city has dealt with budgetary voids created by cutbacks in federal and state grants.