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E-mail This StoryFollowing the announcement that the three member cities of the Arts of Collin County Commission will consider backing a loan to help the project get started, there has been some negative feedback. But two area mayors still believe providing a guarantee on funds needed is appropriate.
Plano Mayor Pat Evans and Frisco Mayor Mike Simpson said they are 100 percent committed to the arts project and both believe it’s critical to the future of Collin County.
Their feelings weren’t echoed from all corners, however.
“The city leaders are fools if they think we will support a loan to the [Arts of Collin County],” said Jack Lagos, a well-known opponent of the project. “We already have $19 million invested in this purported $85 million project. In addition, the county has budgeted $3 million.
“The ACC Foundation, which is supposed to provide private donations, has not been forthcoming and forthright in its contribution disclosure. They failed. This arts hall project was to be $60 million from the taxpayers and the remainder from the private sector. How many times will they go back to the public trough? Not this time.
“The consequences for our public officials are more than not being re-elected. Remember, the city charter provides citizen legislation which can overrule when elected officials behave irresponsibly.”
Evans said that while a discussion is probably coming on funding, it’s still a ways off.
“At the next council meeting we will be discussing with the Arts Commission the guaranteed maximum price for the project,” she said. “We have to have that figure before we can go any further. Whether Plano, Frisco or Allen guarantees the money is a ways off.
“But Plano residents have indicated over the years that they support the arts project. We just have to find a way to get the funding necessary to get it underway.”
Currently, the commission has $60 million of the necessary $85 million to begin construction. There is a reported $8 in donations that could also be counted toward the monies needed for the construction. Evans believes that once construction is underway that even more donations will come forward.
“Once people see a building under construction they get excited about the commitment made,” she said. “That means more donations in whatever form should come forward.
“What the commission has now is enough money to get through 21 months of a 31-month construction project. We need to guarantee the funds for the final 10 months. We can do that and it’s very possible that when we reach the final 10 months there will be enough in donations to cover the cost and the cities won’t be out any extra money.”
Simpson agreed.
“I’m looking at this like it’s a loan,” he said. “Each city will have to examine how they guarantee this money in their own way. But I believe the leaders of the three cities will put their heads together and get it figured out.
“I’m thinking that we need to guarantee $25 million split three ways. That’s around $8.3 million each. But as we go through the process and more donations come in then that guarantee could be less and less. But the time we reach the 21st month maybe all we have to do is come up with $2 million. Or maybe nothing. But I want to go into it guaranteeing the full amount.”
The Frisco mayor said he believes the donations will “ramp up” once the construction is underway.
“I really feel that when you’re the mayor you have to do what you feel is right for your citizens, city and the county,” Simpson said. “I believe that this arts project is the right thing to do. I believe Collin County is doing a lot of things right and I know that counties all over the country are watching how we’re doing things. I don’t think the majority of people in Collin County will have a problem with this Arts project because of what the project will do for the county.
“In a recent study it was point out that $166 million was generated throughout the country by arts and cultural endeavors. This is an economic development engine that will bring revenue to the county. And that’s not even mentioning the fact that we need a place where are children can go and learn about the arts, practice the arts and perform the arts.
“And we need a place where adults can go to enjoy the arts. There’s no reason to leave Collin County to do those things.”
When asked about the prospects of McKinney joining the arts commission and providing $19 million to the coffers, Simpson said it is always possible.
“I feel very positive with McKinney and we would love to have them in the commission,” he said. “But the fact is it’s an unknown at this time. We have to proceed with what we know.
“But it’s my understanding that some of the city council candidates running for office are in favor of sending the matter to the citizens for a vote.”
