Rochester City Council Committee Recommends Ending RCT Agreement

Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) -A Rochester City Council committee Wednesday approved a recommendation to end the city’s long-standing agreement with Rochester Civic Theater.

The recommendation came after the committee adopted findings that primarily dealt with RCT’s serious financial problems that recently came to light. Under the recommendation, all agreements will terminate in May to accommodate RCT’s production schedule.

(Here is the entire list of findings submitted by Councilmember Michael Wojcik. The committee accepted bullet points 2 - 5 but the entire list will be submitted to the city council).

The committee also approved a recommendation from city administrator Steve Rymer to explore future uses of the city-owned building that RCT has been using for its productions. Rymer is proposing a “collaborative performing arts model” that could include Rochester Civic Music, Experience Rochester, and other performing arts organizations.

Committee member Michael Wojcik said the recommendation does not mean the end of RCT. He said the city can continue its relation with RCT if changes are made.

The full city council will take up the recommendation at its Feb. 19th meeting.

The council may eventually take a look at the way it funds other outside organizations that receive city funds.

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