A resolution requesting the Mayor not to include funding for the Nashville Symphony in next fiscal year's capital spending plan.

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council has approved the Mayor's capital spending plan for both fiscal year 2006 and fiscal year 2007, which included a $5 million capital contribution in each of the two years for the Nashville Symphony Hall; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council also previously approved the donation of the Symphony Hall property, which was valued at approximately $4 million; and

WHEREAS, over the past eighteen years, the Metropolitan Government has contributed more than $5 million to the Nashville Symphony through the operating budget, both as direct appropriations and grants through the Metro Arts Commission; and

WHEREAS, the fiscal year 2007 Capital Improvements Budget for the Metropolitan Government plans for an additional $5 million capital contribution for the Nashville Symphony for next fiscal year; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government has been unable to fully fund the recommendations in the Parks Master Plan; and

WHEREAS, $5 million would enable the Metropolitan Government to construct approximately 10 miles of sidewalks, five to ten miles of greenways, 125 lane miles of roadway paving, or the construction of a new community center; and

WHEREAS, several of the Metropolitan public school buildings are in need of expansion and/or repair, and many of our public schools lack the technology in the classrooms necessary to help students exceed; and

WHEREAS, the Council is greatly concerned about public tax dollars being used to fund the construction of a private concert hall when our public schools are in need of additional funding; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Mayor refrain from recommending additional funding for the Nashville Symphony Hall in future capital spending plans.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Mayor not to include funding for the Nashville Symphony in next fiscal year's capital spending plan.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Mayor Bill Purcell.

Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: John Summers