FACT versus FICTION
We have recently heard some incredible misinformation about the performing Arts Center. Here are the facts.
FACT:
The total cost of the project is $60 million, $40 million of which is funded by the bond. The Performing Arts Center is NOT the Legacy Center which was a large multiple building complex and would have cost over $100 Million. They are not building the Lincoln Center in Johns Creek. The city made the decision to right size to current needs of Johns Creek. While interest will be paid on a bond (like a mortgage) the additional $21 million that has been referred to for classrooms and arts space is NOT on the ballot or in the current plan. Your YES vote will not approve any of those added costs.
Fire & Safety performance will suffer due to the Performing Arts Center
FACT:
FACT:
Your property tax bill may go up only a few percent but no more. In fact, it may go down. Less than 13% of our property tax bill is Johns Creek. Most is Fulton County. A $525,000 home would have an annual cost of approximately $84. The ballot referendum on the November 4th also has a planned vote for seniors over 65 and over 70 to reduce Fulton County Board taxes by 25% to 50%. Johns Creek has the LOWEST millage rate in all of Fulton County and it was just lowered again to lowest point in history.
FACT:
NONE of the multiple studies on design concepts for the Performing Arts Center (or previously the Legacy Center) ever indicated it would cost millions to operate.
800 seats is too small and the "experts" all say that.
FACT:
During over 10 years of work on the original Legacy Center and then the Performing Arts Center, no study ever said nor concluded that 800 was too small. There were numerous studies done at 700-1200 seat ranges.
All cities support the Arts and their facilities in some manner, whether through charitable giving, some limited city funding or naming rights.
FACT:
This is true. Today the city spends over $2 million every year on parks and recreation and only $50,000 approximately on the arts. Both good parks (we have 405 acres currently) and vibrant arts and culture are important to Johns Creek residents.
The Performing Arts Center is being built for only one or two arts organizations.
FACT:
The city of Johns Creek has more than 50 arts organizations based here, but practically none of them actually perform in Johns Creek because there is no suitable performance venue. Instead they have their shows in Sandy Springs, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Clayton County, Lawrenceville, and other cities where those audiences can enjoy them, but not Johns Creek residents. It's time we brought our arts back to our city.
FACT:
The City of Johns Creek is considering three models to operate the center:
- Public/Insourced – hired by the city and paid by the City of Johns Creek.
- Not-for-Profit – A not for profit entity established with building ownership by the City of Johns Creek but day to day operation handled by others.
- Private/Outsourced - Totally outsourced to a third party to handle on behalf of the city.
Staffing of the Performing Arts Center was estimated based on similar type venues and in conjunction with outside firms that specialize in performance halls. A blended approach of serving local groups as well as the ability to solicit and bring in other national/regional groups determined the staffing model.
FACT:
The Legacy Center Task Force, started by J. Wayne Baughman and led by fundraiser Steve Dorough, started a private fundraising campaign and quickly received initial commitments of over $100,000 from individual citizens for the Legacy Center in just the first 90 days. Unfortunately, Steve Dorough passed away suddenly and within months J. Wayne Baughman was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer and also passed away. No money was ever collected, and the effort stalled without leadership.