The Chapel Hill Town Council has decided to fork over $35,000 in taxpayer cash to keep afloat a local museum that can’t even manage to convince its own supporters to donate enough money to keep the lights on. The council vote goes against town manager Roger Stancil’s recommendation.
In mid-May I gave Stancil a pat on the back for using common sense by not putting this bailout in the town budget. I’ll wager the $35,000 in bailout money is just the beginning since it appears the museum still has no viable plan to put it on solid financial footing, which is why councilwoman Penny Rich was the lone vote against this.
With this bailout, the council has now telegraphed two very clear messages.
1. The politicians consider the “Johnnie Joins the Fire Department” puppet show a priority for public money, right up there with police and schools. If this is a priority, then virtually anything and everything is a priority.
2. Don’t hesitate on expecting the town to fund your pet project or group. No business plan is required. Just tell the council you improve the quality of life. There appears to be plenty of cash for the taking in Chapel Hill.
