LOGAN – The vote was unanimous Tuesday when the Cache County Council agreed to a one-time financial request of $80,000 to the Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre.
The action came after a public hearing where several residents spoke out in favor of the contribution. Only one person questioned the donation, saying there are other talented organizations that could use a financial boost.
Council Chairman Greg Merrill noted that the original request was for $100,000, but both sides agreed to take the lesser amount. He said $40,000 will come from each of two budgets: the Transient Room Tax and the RAPZ tax. Merrill said he believes the Opera Company does contribute greatly to the economy with its summer programs.
“I think that we’re willing one more time to do what we can,” he said, “because they have made a commitment that they will make changes as well, in order to make it a viable product that will continue to provide not just economically, as we talked about, but as important, if not more important, the cultural aspect and what it does to communities.”
Merrill, along with others, said the Opera Company should probably reach out to find as much talent as possible in the local communities.