Feb 20, 2026. Music Center gives back $252,500 to county, foundation by Staff Reports
The current Commissioners requested a change last year to a 50/50 distribution with the proceeds to be used to finance unfunded infrastructure costs, with a priority on bridges and roads.
Taxpayers are at Risk for the venue. For example, as a result of the economic downturn due to COVID, the federal taxpayers provided a subsidy of $2.7 million, and the county another $239K.
The Commissioners’ 50/50 proposal was not acceptable to the majority of the seven-member Music Center Management Board. The board includes one commissioner (Sanders) and one councilman (Byrd). The Foundation also supports maintaining the current agreement.
At their Oct 21, 2025, meeting, Council members also stated they support the current arrangement, except for Scott Rudd, who did not commit to a specific position.
At their Oct 21, 2025, meeting, Council members also stated they support the current arrangement, except for Scott Rudd, who did not commit to a specific position.
Although the 75/25 agreement (if permitted by law) is legally questionable, amending the agreement requires a majority vote by the commissioners and the music center management board. The council if necessary, would also need to support any legal costs to confirm legality. The council would be involved if there was a desire for a new agreement rather than an amended one.
Commissioner Sanders has proposed selling the venue as an option to eliminate risk and help fund infrastructure costs, but additional research indicates this was not a feasible option.
The commissioners and council meet twice a month. The meeting schedule is posted on the county website. Their meetings are also streamed. Commissioners’ email: commissioners@browncounty-in.gov
The commissioners and council meet twice a month. The meeting schedule is posted on the county website. Their meetings are also streamed. Commissioners’ email: commissioners@browncounty-in.gov
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