The prospect of budget cuts to balance the books has put some City programs at risk next year, but the City of Pittsburg is working on a plan to keep the California Theatre open to the public.

In the latest of a series of steps to maintain the City’s fiscal sustainability, the City Council held a workshop on April 17, 2017 to hear about 28 areas for potential reduction. As the City Council weighs these options to ensure the City’s fiscal health, City staff is working to do more with less.

The list of proposed cutbacks spans nearly every division of the City from seasonal personnel, to reduced investment in technology, to hosting fireworks every other year instead of annually.

In particular, a proposed significant reduction to the California Theatre budget inspired community alarm. City Manager Joe Sbranti addressed the concern stating, “With re-evaluation of the costs involved in managing the theater, we anticipate we will find ways to continue operating the theater on a smaller budget.”

The California Theatre currently receives a $250,000 subsidy from the City to cover yearly costs for maintenance and day-to-day management expenses not paid with theater revenues. On July 1, 2018, this annual subsidy is proposed to be reduced. City staff is looking for ways to make up the difference by restructuring how the theater is managed and reducing maintenance expenses.

At the same time, the City is moving forward with an architectural design to add up to 150 seats in the theater balcony. (Funding for the actual construction of this is still being identified). The goal is to preserve the theater as a public resource even amidst budget cuts.

The next Budget Workshop discussing all the proposed General Fund expenditure reductions will be held at 5:00 p.m. on May 15, 2017 in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 65 Civic Avenue in Pittsburg. The meeting is open to the public.