Steve F. Taylor
Press Release

Supervisor Steve F. Taylor Reacts to Committee’s Vote to Fund Marcus Center in Light of Takeover

“This decision flies in the face of the principles of the good stewardship of taxpayer dollars.”

By - Mar 8th, 2016 12:09 pm
Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. Photo by Christopher Hillard.

Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. Photo by Christopher Hillard.

Milwaukee, WI – Milwaukee County Supervisor Steve F. Taylor today expressed his disappointment with the Parks, Energy and Environment Committee’s 5-1 vote (Taylor: no) to support the execution of a contribution agreement between Milwaukee County and the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. This vote comes in light of an anticipated takeover of the facility by the Wisconsin Center District pursuant to 2015 Wisconsin Act 60. The law provides state funding for the Bucks arena project, as well as allowing for the consolidation of the Marcus Center with the new arena under the Wisconsin Center District

The committee agreed to support the 10-year, multi-million dollar agreement, which provides funding for the Marcus Center’s operational and capital needs.

“This decision flies in the face of the principles of the good stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Why should County taxpayers fund improvements to the Marcus Center for another decade when we already know it will likely be under new ownership in just a few years?” said Taylor.

Supervisor Taylor also expressed his frustration with County Executive Chris Abele’s role in the anticipated transfer of the Marcus Center. “This is just another example of the County Executive’s poor negotiating skills,” said Taylor. “Not only are County taxpayers on the hook for $80 million for the arena, but he also agreed to the transfer of the Marcus Center without a clear timetable.”

The full County Board will consider the contribution agreement at its next meeting on March 17.

Marcus Center For The Performing Arts

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.

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