The Political Whore

Tampa, as a government, has done better than some in its handling of private nonprofits that it supports over the past three years of tightening budgets. Two years ago, it cut funding to city-owned partners like the Florida Aquarium by 10 percent and other nonprofits by 20 percent. Last year, no cuts were made.

But in the upcoming budget, Mayor Pam Iorio says she will be forced to cut funding to both categories by the same formula as two years ago, 10 percent cuts to the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Lowry Park Zoo, Florida Aquarium, Tampa Theatre, Tampa Museum of Art, and H. B. Plant Museum, and 20 percent cuts to a dozen or so other nonprofits.

The city’s full statement after the jump:

Tampa Commits to Funding Non-Profits at Reduced Amount

Tampa, Fla. (April 14, 2009) – In preparation for the fiscal year 2010 budget, Mayor Pam Iorio met with non-profits funded by the city to discuss their city subsidies.  The mayor is recommending that their funding for 2010 be reduced by 10 percent for city-owned non-profits and 20 percent for non-profits that are not city owned or sponsored.

Over the past two budget cycles the City of Tampa has been careful to maintain adequate funding for the non-profits.  In 2007, their funding was reduced by 10 percent for city-owned non-profits and 20 percent for non-profits that are not city owned or sponsored.  Last year their funding was not reduced.  While many cultural institutions are suffering from severe cutbacks from both state and local governments, the City has been careful to recommend cuts incrementally in order for these cultural organizations to still grow and be successful.  The arts are a large part of our local economy and our subsidies to many of the organizations are important to their success.

City-Owned Non-Profits:
Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
Lowry Park Zoo
Florida Aquarium
Tampa Theatre
Tampa Museum of Art
H. B. Plant Museum

Total FY 2009 operating subsidy for city-owned non-profits: $2,750,500
10 percent reduction: $275,050
Total FY 2010 operating subsidy for city-owned non-profits: $2,475,450

Non City-Owned Non-Profits:
Florida Orchestra
Boys & Girls Club
Humane Society
Glazer Children’s Museum
Master Chorale
Mendez Foundation
Museum of Science & Industry
Sister Cities
Spanish Lyric Theatre
Tampa Bay Black History Festival
Tampa Bay History Center
Tampa Photographic Museum
Ybor Chamber of Commerce
Ybor State Museum
Youth Opportunity Movement

Total FY 2009 operating subsidy for non city-owned non-profits: $1,020,000
10 percent reduction: $204,000
Total FY 2010 operating subsidy for non city-owned non-profits: $816,000

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