Cuts Planned for Art on the Grand in 2012-2013 Farmington DDA Budget

Reductions in the  (DDA) major source of funding have officials drawing some hard budget lines. 

Among other measures, the 2012-2013 budget slashes funding for Art on the Grand, a two-day juried art festival held in partnership with the each June. Since becoming an independent event several years ago, the festival has lost thousands of dollars. 

DDA director Annette Knowles told city council members Monday that Tax Increment Financing (TIF) revenues, captured from increases in property value, have steadily declined since 2009. 

"If I leave you with a message tonight, it is that we need to proactively address the loss of tax revenues," Knowles said. 

The 2012-2013 budget is about $53,000 smaller than this year's budget, but shows a net gain in revenue of just under $20,000. While other measures will be taken, she said "the one thing that would really help drive the DDA budget is redevelopment if our community."

Events budgets cut

Knowles' budget presentation showed individual "cost centers" for each of eight downtown Farmington events. Art on the Grand has lost around $25,000 each year since separating from the Downtown Farmington Founders Festival, she said.

In the 2012-2013 budget, staff time spent on the event is reduced by half, and the budget for a wine tent and other evening activities has been slashed from $6,200 to $2,500. Knowles said a pre-glow and Saturday night activities will be "much more laid back and cost-controlled". 

The event is still projected to lose more than $8,000, but Knowles said it will likely gain ground over time. 

On the other end of the scale, the Farmington Farmers and Artisans Market and Founders Festival are expected to generate profits, $3,500 and $23,000, respectively. 

Knowles said the DDA is placing more emphasis on offering incentives and support for business retention and development. The 2012-2013 incentives budget is more than $53,000, devoted to helping businesses with facade and sign improvements, consulting services, redevelopment and "build out" or interior improvements.

The DDA has also considered offering Farmers and Artisans Market space as an incubator for entrepreneurs who have a "strong demonstrated interest in the community". The space would allow them to "test drive" their products or services with local residents, Knowles said. 

Officials must adopt the DDA budget, along with their general fund budget, by June 30.