Folsom gives arts center $500,000; ups city manager's pay

The Folsom City Council has voted unanimously to contribute $500,000 to Folsom Lake College's planned visual and performing arts center, although one resident suggested the city negotiate with the college for a more favorable return on its investment.

The council also gave City Manager Kerry Miller a pay raise at Tuesday's meeting.

In exchange for the contribution toward the $42 million center, the city is to receive benefits valued at $575,000, according to city officials. Included is the right to name the 200-seat studio theater, the second largest theater in the complex. The city will be represented in wall signage and printed materials related to performance in the theater.

A $75,000 endowment also is to be established to generate revenue to cover rental fees for local arts organizations to use facilities and venues at the center.

Resident Ernie Sheldon, commenting in a Web cast of the Sept. 25 meeting, said he did not oppose the contribution of $500,000 in city funds, but he questioned whether the agreement granted the city enough in return.

He estimated that a $75,000 endowment would generate about $2,400 in interest annually, which would not cover rental fees for very many events.

"I'd rather see us negotiate a number of days that we would be given the facility ... I suggest we negotiate a bit more," Sheldon said.

Mayor Andy Morin said it was impossible to measure the value the city and its residents would derive from the center.

"Frankly, this is something I want to see in the community," he said. "I wish we could do more."

Council member Steve Miklos said the city has had a good relationship with the college, which often has made its facilities available for city-related activities without charge.

Asked about anticipated rental rates for various facilities in the visual and performing arts center, college President Thelma Scott-Skillman said a consultant has been hired to develop a business plan, which will include rental fees.

But Scott-Skillman said the college has made a commitment to make the facilities available for use by community organizations.

In other business, the council unanimously approved an amendment to City Manager Miller's contract, granting him a 7.9 percent raise. Miller was hired a year ago with an annual base salary of $195,500.

The amended contract also includes an increase in the amount of deferred compensation to 9.5 percent of the base salary, as well as 80 hours of administrative leave per year in recognition of the additional hours required to perform the duties of his position. The hours of administrative leave would not carry over from year to year and would have no cash value.

Council members praised Miller's work with the city during the past year. Vice Mayor Eric King said the city manager has developed rapport and respect among city staff members and with members of the community.