HomeMy WebLinkAboutKate City band issue
Charter Review Committee
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Ashland City Band
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Date: November 29, 2004
Sub Committee Member: Kate Culbertson
ISSUE STATEMENT:
Should the City Band remain in the Charter?
BACKGROUND:
The Ashland City Band traces it roots to 1876. The Ashland Brass Band came into being
that year and its influence to the musical life of Ashland appears as part of an article in
the April 14, 1877, issue of the Ashland Tidings. The article about a musical program
given at the Ashland Academy ends with, "We cannot omit to mention the Ashland Brass
Band whose valuable services were tendered without charge and enlivened the occasion
with many pieces of music."
Over the years the band's name, size, faces, and instrumentation have changed, as has its
mode of support. In 1890 the band numbered about twenty musicians. By 1961 the band
was up to about sixty-five members and in the 1990's had reached into the mid eighties.
In 1938 the city of Ashland approved a .6-mil levy to support the band. Presently the
band has three members who have performed with the ensemble in excess of fifty years
each
Article XXI, City Band Section 1. At the time of making the tax levy for general City
purposes each year, the Council shall cause a careful estimate to be made of the money
required for the purpose of a City Band for the ensuing year, such estimate shall be
presented and considered with the other items in the annual budget and there shall be
included in the general levy for the ensuing year not to exceed six-tenths (.6) mills on the
dollar for such band requirements, which fund, when collected, shall be deposited with
the City Recorder, subject to the order of the Council.
The Article XXI above is in fact no longer relevant due to Measure(s) 47/50. According
to the City Finance Director, the Band is funded under Central Services/Finance
Department, from the General Fund. Each year it receives a couple of percentage points
increase, currently totaling $57,500. A portion of this is for the director and the
remainder for music, rehearsals and performances. The appropriation is set by ordinance
of the Budget Committee. There is no connection between revenue source and
expenditures. Band expenditures have never been questioned.
In the past few years, surveys have put the band in the top 3 choices in citizen priorities.
PROS & CONS:
Pro: Remaining in the Charter would insure that the Band remains, unless a vote of the
citizens determines otherwise.
Con: The Budget Committee or the Council could remove the funding source, i.e. a
small group of appointed or elected officials. It might be argued that the Band should be
self-sufficient.
Suggestion: Charter could be worded so as to recognize the Band as an example of public
support and funding of arts.
Consulted were the Band Board of Directors (5 present) and Lee Tuneberg.