Susanville City Council and the community held a healthy discussion on the topic of the Sierra Theater Performing Arts Center at its Wednesday, March 5 meeting.
The item on the agenda was a discussion regarding a business plan for the project. By a 4-1 vote, with Councilmember Patrick Parrish casting the lone nay vote, the council directed its ad-hoc committee to negotiate an agreement between the city and the Susanville Symphony Society regarding the purchase of the historic Sierra Theater as a performing arts center to be owned and operated by the society.
While the business plan was described as representing the “comfort level” of the ad-hoc committee, former Mayor and Lassen County Supervisor Jim Chapman called it the best business plan he’d ever seen submitted to a public body.
It’s the symphony’s intention to “lead” the project hoped to spark a business revival in Uptown Susanville, and the renovation of the theater would revitalize Uptown and make it a destination.
Grants are available for the restoration of historic theaters and Redding’s Cascade Theater, with whom the local group might “piggyback” when hiring out-of-town artists, recently received a $750,000 grant to restore that theater.
Former Chief of Police and Lassen County Supervisor Chris Gallagher addressed the council about the project.
In addition to all the local performing arts groups, “There are a lot of different things that can come to that theater,” Gallagher said, “not just music. You can think outside the box.”
He said Best of Broadway already has lighting and sound equipment to bring to the project.
“We want it to be a team,” he said.
He expects the project will generate almost $200,000 in profit in year two, its first real year of operation.
Parrish balked at the idea of buying the theater for the symphony and waiting for the group to come up with $500,000 to renovate it later.
Parrish asked what happens if the project fails? City Manager Dan Newton said the as yet unwritten agreement with the city would provide a remedy for that eventuality.
“It’s not done yet,” Newton said.
Then Parrish asked what part of the city’s debt could be paid with this money, and Newton suggested the loan against city hall or the swimming pool debt as possibilities.
Parrish then wondered why there was no private equity in the project. He said he didn’t know of many businesses that work that way — you give me money and then I’ll come up with my part. He said paying off the city’s debt might be the best way to go.
He asked Councilmember Dawn Miller, who also serves as the CEO of a credit union, if she would make a loan on this business plan.
She said no.
Parrish said he didn’t want to be “a financial Grinch,” but if the private sector wouldn’t make a loan, why should the city?
“We believe in the people,” blurted out Councilmember Russ Brown to a thunderous round of applause from the public packed into the council chambers.
“You make a good point,” Parrish said, “But you can’t go to the bank and say I believe the people are going to give me a check … I believe financial responsibility ends with us. We get to pay off some of these debts. We get to save on interest. Save money. That interest can go to something else in the city … ”
Mayor Mendy Schuster weighed in. She said she’d hate to see the theater boarded up and that the symphony had done everything they’d been asked to do.
“It would be unwise not to give you a try,” she said.
She also said she agreed with Brown, and “We believe in you.”
recent Susanville City Council meeting focused on the potential transformation of the historic Sierra Theater into a performing arts center. The council, by a 4-1 vote, decided to authorize an ad-hoc committee to negotiate a potential agreement with the Susanville Symphony Society for the theater’s purchase and management. Councilmember Patrick Parrish dissented, raising concerns about financial risks and the lack of private investment.
The meeting highlighted the symphony’s vision to lead the theater’s revival as a cultural hub, believing it could rejuvenate Uptown Susanville. Former officials and community members expressed optimism about the project’s potential benefits, including economic growth and cultural enrichment. Former Chief of Police Chris Gallagher emphasized the theater’s potential for diverse events beyond music, and noted that local groups already possessed necessary equipment.
Despite the enthusiasm, Parrish questioned the financial prudence of the city investing in the theater, especially without a secured renovation fund. He suggested that the funds might be better used on city debt. City Manager Dan Newton indicated that plans for financial contingencies were still being developed.
Councilmember Russ Brown and Mayor Mendy Schuster supported the project, citing community belief and the symphony’s efforts to meet city requirements. Schuster expressed hope that the theater would not be left unused and saw potential in giving the project a chance. The discussion reflected a mix of optimism and caution as the city considers the theater’s future impact on the community.
Information provided by Lassen News
