Groups that use the Bowlus Fine Arts Center could get a bit of sticker shock later this year, in the form of a change in rental rates.
For some groups, that could mean hundreds of dollars in increased fees. For others, it might actually mean a decrease. Overall, the Bowlus hopes to recoup another $4,141 in rental fees each year, starting with the new fiscal year that begins in July.
The Bowlus rate structure hasnt changed since 2013, director Daniel Kays told the USD 257 Board of Education Monday night. Between 2004 and 2013, rates were reviewed every two years and adjusted with incremental increases.
Meanwhile, salaries, insurance, utilities, and equipment upkeep and replacement continued to increase. USD 257 moved high school music, drama and art classes out of the Bowlus and into the high school, which opened more rooms available for all-day rental.
An emphasis has been placed on finding new uses of the facility and bringing in more earned income, Kays wrote in a report to the board. The current and original rate structure was not set up to follow best practices for venue rentals.
The plan comes in two parts: discontinue a daily fee for room rentals and adjust the rate structure for the main stage to encourage more performances and fewer rehearsals. Groups can rent rooms at a base rate, which varies depending on the room, with a discounted hourly rate each hour after the base. The rates for non-profit groups are about 25 percent lower.
For example, a for-profit dance company can rent the auditorium for performances at a cost of $800, and $200 per hour after five hours. Auditorium rental for rehearsals and meetings is $400, and $40 per hour after five hours. A non-profit group like Allen Community College can rent the auditorium for performances for $600, and $150 per hour after five hours; and $300 for rehearsals with $30 per hour after five hours.
If the current rates were applied to last years Christmas performances, Miss Chelseas Dance Academy would pay another $340. Allen Community College Music would save $100.
Kays said he planned to discuss the increase with groups that typically rent the Bowlus. He also plans to return to a two-year review of rental fees.
You have to stay on top of the cost of living. Otherwise its unfair to do this kind of an increase, he said. It wont be this kind of jump every time.
