Fine Arts Center and Historical Society May Expect Less Next Year

Dunedin city officials made the difficult decision to cut funding for two local organizations Tuesday morning in hopes of putting money aside for other grant purposes. The decision is tentative pending official action.

Commissioners agreed to keep last year’s budget of approximately $127,000 in tact, but plan to cut $5,000 each from the and . The resulting $10,000 surplus will go to an unspecified cause.

Commissioner Julie Ward Bujalski mentioned possibilities that would maintain consistency with the cultural themes that both the organizations promote. Among her suggestions: a bag piping college and bus stop artistic improvements.

“A budget decision is not necessarily representative of what you support,” said Bujalski.  “I would like to see these organizations move in a direction where they are more self-supportive. There are other things in the community that we do want to consider.”

But the uncertainty behind her suggestions did not play out well with Mayor Dave Eggers. He supported the possibility of grants being awarded to the or HEP.  That initiative requested a grant in the amount of $25,000, but would have to settle for $10,000 if a decision is made to contribute to that organization. Commissioner David Carson also supported contributions to HEP.

Other social services are potential candidates for funding as well. Pinellas Safe Harbor, a new location run by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office that provides shelter to the homeless, as well as 2-1-1 services were also discussed.

Concerns were raised as to whether or not funding organizations from outside the city would be appropriate.

“I found it curious that we have two organizations here with four decades-long relationship and partnership with the city and we’re going out and soliciting other outside organizations,” Commissioner Julie Scales said.

Scales’ observation was met with applause by members of the audience who proudly displayed green paper fans that read, “I am a fan of fine arts.”

Discussion about what to do with grant funds quickly shifted from whether to cut money from the Dunedin Fine Art Center and the Historical Society to what to do with the money they did cut. The original amount Bujalski proposed was $15,000 with no specific direction on how to divide the cuts. The commission eventually agreed on a cut of $5,000 to each organization.

The unofficial direction given to City Manager Rob Di Spirito left historical and fine art supporters in both shock and disgust. 

“We teach 120 classes a term, we’re open seven days a week and even offer free admission on the second Sunday of every month,” said Assistant Director of the Dunedin Fine Art Center George Anne Bissett. “I think the city gets a wonderful deal.”

The city commission will continue with their budget plans under the current direction to use the full amount of funds allotted to grants, but the decision awaits formal direction.

The meeting also addressed overall budget issues for the city. In the budget update, Di Spirito said it is currently balanced without using any reserve funds, without cuts to services or any increases in millage taxes.