$1M deficit for Town Hall?

Press, 7 May 1983, Page 9

$1M deficit for Town Hall?

Christchurch local authorities may be asked to nay almost 20 per cent more this year towards the running of the Christchurch Town Hall. The Town Hall Board of Management was told yesterday that the figure would include capital and replacement costs. The draft budget allows for just more than $1.5 million in expenditure but total receipts are expected to be only $519,700, leaving a deficit of about $989,000. This is a 9.5 per cent increase over last year’s voted estimate. The board already has a credit balance of more than $7OOO and local authorities will be asked to pay the remaining $982,000. Catering

The board’s catering account showed a loss to March this year of almost $56,000, in spite of an ex-

pected trading profit of $38,500. This resulted from a 10 per cent decrease in revenue because of increased competition, and an unexpected higher cost of food. Food purchased by auction was exempt from the price freeze, the board was told.

After considering the estimates, the board decided to defer the construction of a ramp and toilets for the disabled in the restaurant. This would reduce expenditure by $20,000. A further $9OOO would be saved by cutting back on entertainment in the restaurant and the replacement of cash registers.

Facilities To encourage greater use of hiring facilities in the Town Hall, rental concessions were introduced during the year. In February the board introduced, on a six-month trial, reduced

rates where catering costs exceeded $lOOO. A 25 per cent discount was given where catering costs exceeded $lOOO, and a 50 per cent discount where costs exceeded $2OOO. Discounts were also given to wedding receptions where the bar and catering facilities were required. This year the board hopes to increase the use of rooms, particularly the Auditorium, the James Hay Theatre, and the Limes Room. Revenue is hoped to be $36,000 up on that taken last year. Other aims

Other aims the board expects to fulfil include a continued approach to the marketing of the' Complex, the replacement of carpet, the restaining of all Meranti timberwork, and the replacement of drapes. This is expected to cost more than $2OOO.