After looking at the Pavilion’s finances from 2014 compared to 2013Â (Item A), I think it is time the city looks at bringing in a new management company.
Finance Doc (WPMI-OF)
While the Pavilion brought in over $800K more in 2014 at the end of the day, they had $63K less leftover then in 2013.
So what sticks out?
• Admission and ticket sales were up $757K from last year, which is a good thing, so where were the falters?
• Salary and benefits are almost $3.7 million dollars of their almost $7.5 million dollar budget (half of their entire budget) while programming is only $1.6 million of their budget.
• No major increase in the marketing budget.
• Memberships were down from 2013 (this is after they eliminated individual memberships and now charge to enter the VAC)
• Since it is a city owned building, all maintenance and upgrades to the building come from our CIP (2nd Penny) and not the Pavilion’s budget.
While the Pavilion claims they are an asset to our community, it seems they spend very little on actual programming and a lot on their employees, many from management, including the Operations manager and I believe the Finance Director have been there since day one.
It’s time the city explores a new management company to revamp the Pavilion, and truly make it a place for everyone (as was promised from the beginning).
It breaks my heart sometimes that a building I supported, worked at, donated to and exhibited in has lost it’s way due to poor management, and the finances are just the tip of the iceberg.