Iorio Plans To Cut Money To Some Nonprofit Entities

By ELLEN GEDALIUS The Tampa Tribune

Published: Jul 11, 2007

TAMPA - Mayor Pam Iorio plans to slash the city's funding to some nonprofit agencies by as much as 20 percent.

In light of changes to the state's property tax system, the city is expecting about $22 million less than anticipated. Last month, Iorio laid off 121 employees and eliminated 115 vacant positions, saving about $15 million.

Cuts to nonprofit agencies will save the city almost $500,000.

In a memo to the city council on Tuesday, Iorio explained that the city subsidizes two categories of nonprofits operations, those that use city-owned buildings and those that do not.

She recommends cutting 10 percent from the first group, including the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Lowry Park Zoo, The Florida Aquarium, Tampa Theatre and H.B. Plant Museum.

She also recommends cutting 20 percent from the other nonprofit groups, including The Florida Orchestra, the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce and the Museum of Science & Industry, among others.

Before the Legislature voted on its final version of property tax reform, some city officials speculated the city would have to eliminate funding for nonprofit groups.

Tom Keating, president of Ybor's chamber, said he expected a cut to his $25,000 city subsidy. He's glad it isn't worse. "We'll have to take our cut, but I still think we'll be able to operate effectively."

Lowry Park Zoo received $500,000 from the city last year. Zoo President and Chief Executive Officer Lex Salisbury is relieved that the funding wasn't eliminated.

"The mayor was very smart about how she asked what the impact would be," he said. "We're just going to have to redouble our efforts to be able to continue to grow."

Last year, after the city council directed the mayor to cut property taxes, Iorio recommended a 5 percent cut to each nonprofit entity. The council rejected her proposal and restored the funding by finding other areas to cut.

Some council members reached Tuesday said they think Iorio's recommendation is reasonable.

"I think she's done an equitable and fair job," Councilman Charlie Miranda said. "She could have cut some all the way, but she didn't."

Councilman John Dingfelder, who vehemently opposed Iorio's suggestion to cut the funding last year, said he supports her current proposal.

"In light of the layoffs and everything else, that's very reasonable," Dingfelder said.

Councilman Tom Scott said he wants to wait to see the mayor's full budget proposal so he can get a better sense of the spending plan overall.

Iorio is scheduled to present her budget to the council on Aug. 9. The council must decide by Sept. 30.

Reporter Ellen Gedalius can be reached at (813) 259-7679 or egedalius@tampatrib.com.